Democracy for East

The UNP-SLFP combine in making an issue of the Pilleyan factor at the Eastern Election is sending the wrong message vis-a-vis militant groups poised to join the democratic mainstream.

Instead of welcoming the move by Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) into electoral politics various unsubstantiated charges are being levelled at the group which may have a negative effect in the Government’s effort to draw in more and more ex-LTTEers and disgruntled armed cadres enter the democratic mainstream.

The outcome would be that the prospective entrants would shy away from entering politics which could only help the LTTE, which is perhaps what the UNP wants.

This is exactly what Ampara Mayor Sarath Deshapriya has stated, as quoted in our lead story yesterday. The entry of former armed groups into the democratic mainstream should be viewed as a catalyst for peace and development rather than as a threat, he said.

Moreover, this is not the first time that rebel groups entered politics - the JVP, responsible for two insurrections, is now firmly entrenched in the democratic mainstream. There are numerous examples abroad for this phenomenon.

In trying to place roadblocks on the path of their democratic aspirations the UNP-SLMC combine is also displaying a lack of tolerance of this attempt at democratic integration of an armed group.

It should not be forgotten that the Eastern Tigers formed the main flank in the LTTE’s fighting machine. That they have been lured into democratic process speaks volumes for the capable leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who had granted them this opportunity.

Does the UNP wish to see them back in the LTTE fold by driving them into a corner by branding them as terrorists and levelling other unfounded allegations which would militate against all attempts to politically tame the Tiger ?

True, there may be lapses and infringements when any armed organisation enters the civilised world and induction of the Pilleyan group in to electoral politics may not be without these glitches. It would be asking too much for a once hardened terrorist outfit to adapt to civilian life and the associated niceties.

By all accounts, their conduct was exemplary during the run-up to the March 10 Local Poll in Batticaloa, with only a few minor incidents reported. The Provincial Elections campaign also indicates a similar trend. They have proved beyond any doubt that they can adapt to a democartic environment. That alone is a creditable achievement.

But the way the UNP seems to be targeting the Pilleyan group indicates that it was totally opposed to the group taking to politics. Various bogeys too have been floated about the possible outcome of a Pilleyan victory which would deter and frustrate any aspirant to office.

Which option is safer Prabhakaran being given a 10-year free run in the North as agreed by a former President or a breakaway group of the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world forsaking its past and entering the democratic mainstream?

There are those who criticise the TMVP for still keeping weapons. While no armed groups should ideally be present in a democartic environment, one has to take into account the extraordinary circumstances faced by the TMVP.

Being a breakaway group of the Tigers now working with the Government and against the LTTE, the latter would stop at nothing to annihilate the leadership and members of the TMVP.

Moreover, the Security Forces cannot be expected to provide full-time security to all TMVP members and candidates. In this context, the TMVP has gone for the option of retaining arms until LTTE terrorism ends and peace dawns.

This election is already taking the country in that direction. As President Mahinda Rajapaksa explained over the weekend, the people can send a strong message to the LTTE by participating in this election that democracy - not terrorism - is the honourable way of addressing grievances.

A positive verdict will also encourage the Security Forces to liberate the North in a similar manner, thus paving the way to hold elections for the North as well. The fruits of democracy, pluralism and peace must be enjoyed equally by people of all provinces.