DMK President Kalaignar M Karunanidhi said TESO conference was a major success ‘despite the obstacles put in by the ruling ADMK in a bid to scuttle the meet.’
In a statement, Kalaignar said “we
have overcome the obstacles and made the TESO meet a grand success”. Thanking
each and every one, including delegates from foreign countries and those from
North India for making it a point to attend the meet, the DMK Chief, however,
had a dig at the police for not deploying adequate security personnel for the
event.
TESO conference in Chennai on the
evening of 12.8.2012 was held in an excellent manner covering soot on the faces
of those who were hoping that the conference and the conclave proceedings in
the morning would not at all be held, even it was held nobody interested in and
concerned over Eelam Tamil issues either from abroad, or from Sri Lanka or from
Northern State would attend the meet and Karunanidhi would be annoyed, and
useful for Eelam Tamils.
In the conclave held for over three
hours in the morning over 50 Tamils enthusiasts and those who continue to show
interest in Eelam Tamils’ issues, who had come from northern states in India,
US, UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Morocco, Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria and Sri
Lanka – except those didn’t turn up fearing the reaction of the cruel Lankan
regime, placed their opinions and amendments in detail and besides finally
drafting the final resolutions also proposed three new resolutions which were
also discussed and decided to be placed in the conference for adoption.
Particularly the last resolution
condemning the ADMK regime for ordering refusal of permission for the
conference was proposed by Lok JanSakthi President, former Union Minister,
present MP and dear friend Ram Vilas Paswan. All dailies have welcomed the 14
resolutions and published well.
I thank, as the Chairman of TESO,
those dailies which published the speeches made there besides the resolutions
adopted at the conference and leaders of various countries and observers who participated
in the conference.
I bow my head and heap hearty thanks
to DMK brothers and sisters and brethren of other parties in TESO for coming in
thousands to listen to the speeches in the conference and to tell the world
that we are all united on the issue of Eelam Tamils, and leaving no room for
any disturbance by maintaining discipline of armed forces and making a huge
success of the meet, Kalaignar said.
Despite Madras High Court directing
the police to take all steps to ensure the meet was held peacefully, there was
no visible presence of any policemen at the conference venue, Kalaignar
alleged. ‘It is not only regrettable but also condemnable”, he added.
It was “highly regrettable and
condemnable,” as the High Court had directed the Chennai Police Commissioner to
take steps for ensuring that the meeting was held in a peaceful manner in the
interest of general public.
“No security arrangements were made either in
the conference venue or outside, even though the leaders of various political
parties, foreign delegates, MPs and thousands of people attended the
conference,” he said, adding that while the security cover was provided to
leaders who come under ‘Z-Plus’ category, police had not given any other
protection which is “not only regrettable but also condemnable.” Leaders,
particularly foreign delegates who participated in the conference, expressed
shock and surprise over the absence of security cover for the meet.
Political parties may take over or
lose the seat of power, but the bureaucracy is “permanent” and has to discharge
its duties dispassionately and without any political bias towards the ruling
party, as that is not good for the growth of democracy.The participants,
especially foreign delegates, were shocked and surprised by the absence of the
police at the venue and outside. “The event was a huge success despite the
anti-Tamil attitude of the ADMK Government, I thank the Judges of the Madras
High Court for granting permission to hold the conference, the DMK activists
for their contribution and the media for the coverage.”
---
Kalaignar
seeks short, medium and long term solutions
“Systematic
Sinhalisation taking place in areas traditionally inhabited by Tamils’’
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president
Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi on August 12 stressed the need for a long-term and
medium-term political solution to the ethnic issue in Sri Lanka.
At the conclave ahead of a conference
on the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils organised by the Tamil Eelam Supporters’
Organisation (TESO), Kalaignar said:
At the very outset, let me
reverentially salute the martyrs, who, in their search for a dawn in the lives
of Eezham Tamils sacrificed their own lives in the battle-field and were laid
in tombs.
Members of Parliament - Thiru Ram
Vilas Paswan - Prof. Thiru Ram Gopal Yadav - Thiru S.D.Shariq, and former
Members of Parliament, Thiru Govind Rao Adik, and Thiru K.C. Tyagi are all
out-standing political luminaries, inspiring the masses and working for the
advancement of the poor and down-trodden. They have come here, in spite of
their other engagements.
Very distinguished dignitaries and
leaders from abroad - from USA., UK, Switzerland, Nigeria, Sweden, Morocco.
Turkey, Singapore and Malaysia - have travelled a long distance to join us in
this Conclave and give their valuable views.
Very popular Tamil National Leaders
from Sri Lanka - M.Ps. and former M.Ps. - who are admired and held in high
esteem by the Eezham Tamils, have come here, considering participation in this
Conclave, as their bounden duty.
I am happy to extend a very warm
welcome to every one of you. Honouring our kind invitation, you have come from
far and near to attend this Conclave. On behalf of the TESO, I am thankful to
all of you for taking pains to come over to Chennai.
The composition of this Conclave will
itself explain the concern - not only of Tamil Nadu, but of India, and
countries of the world - for the problem of Eezham Tamils. The problem of
Eezham Tamils has been drawing international attention.
The Nations of the World are very much
worried over the pre and post-war developments in Sri Lanka. The problem of
Eezham Tamils is a problem linked with Humanitarianism, Human Rights, and
Dignity of Human Beings. Therefore, the Nations are naturally eager in early
resolutions of the issues of the Tamils.
The issues of Eezham Tamils have been
hanging fire for over half-a-century. Excessive delay in solving these issues,
will amount to pulling Civilization and Culture, several centuries backwards.
Posterity will not pardon the present generation, as we have been witnesses to
pre-planned genocide, the crime of crimes; barbaric treatment to a National
Race on the lines of Religion, Language and Culture and inhuman suppression of
the Minority by the Majority.
The very sight of this Conclave
prompts my Memory to Journey backwards. It was 4th May, 1986, at Madurai, the
seat of ancient Tamil Literature and Capital of Pandya Dynasty.
A similar Conclave was held by the
TESO at Madurai. The Madurai Conclave met in a totally different atmosphere and
context.
Thiru Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister
of India, Thiru N.T. Rama Rao, Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Thiru
H.N. Bahuguna, Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and several other
important leaders participated in the Conclave. All the TamiIs’ and Militant Organisations
were also represented in that Conclave.
In the Conclave, we, on the Indian
Side, insisted on co-operation and consolidation, arising from fraternal ties
and affinity. In fact, I personally made
a very passionate and moving appeal to the Militant Organisations, with folded
hands.
I summed up that Madurai TESO
Conference presented a complete picture to show how the heart of Tamil Nadu was
pulsating fast; how the blood of Tamil Nadu was boiling and how the nerves of
Tamil Nadu were shaking for the sake of the Sri Lankan Tamils.
Before the TESO meet at Madurai, on
behalf of TESO, Rallys and Public Meetings were conducted during October, 1985
in Coimbatore, Dindugal, Thoothukudi, Trichy, Salem and Vellore to mobilize
mass-support to the problem of Eezham Tamils.
As President of the D.M.K., for over
40 years now, it is my solemn privilege to touch upon the subject of my Party’s
role in regard to Eezham Tamils. Let me please be permitted to recount this
very briefly.
History bears testimony to the fact that
the D.M.K. remained steadfast in extending its solid and emotional support to
the cause of the Eezham Tamils for over a period of fifty years.
D.M.K.’s support to the cause of
Eezham Tamils, flowing from its heart and mind, started during the days of
“Eezham Gandhi” Thanthai Selva; continued during the days of Amirthalingam and
till this day, we have been firm and fervent.
ln the DMK General Council Meeting
presided over by our Mentor, Perarignar Anna, in Chidambaram in 1956; on his
direction, I moved a Resolution condemning the atrocious efforts of the Sri
Lankan Government to implement a policy of “Sinhala Only”, relegating Tamil to
the second- class status and denying opportunity for the Tamils to Education
and Employment. This Resolution was seconded by Poovalur Ponnambalanar.
ln our General Council Meeting at
Thoothukudi in 1961, an important Resolution was personally drafted by Arignar
Anna. lt was moved by me in the Meeting and seconded by Thiru K.A.Mathialagan.
lt was resolved that the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils should be taken up by the
Government of India to the notice of the U.N.O.
Thus it was the D.M.K., which sought
the intervention of the U.N. for the first time.
When, in 1977, after the tearful
demise of Thanthai Selva, Amirthalingam visited Tamil Nadu, the D.M.K. gave
full support to him. In fact, we
assisted him closely to meet various leaders in New Delhi and to apprise them
of the Sri Lankan Situation.
During the Mass Murder in 1983 in Sri
Lanka, I, along with the General Secretary of D.M.K., Perasiriyar Anbazhagan,
resigned the Membership of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
In August 1983, I burnt a Copy of the
Black Law of the Sri Lankan Government - the 6th Amendment to the Constitution.
It prevented Eezham Tamils from even talking about their Independence. Before
burning, I said, “Let the Fire spread and Consume the Sufferings of Eezham
TamiIs”.
It was the D.M.K., which for the first
time, conducted a massive signature campaign, urging the U.N.O., for its
intervention in the Eezham TamiIs’ issue.
In the Centenary Celebrations of
Arignar Anna at Kanchipuram on 26-9-2009, it was resolved that “Eezham Tamils
have been living in Tamil Nadu for the last 25 years as Refugees and therefore
they should be given Indian Citizenship Rights”.
The D.M.K. Government in Tamil Nadu
was dismissed twice, because of our strong support to Eezham Tamils.
On a number of occasions, I have
spoken at length on the issue of Eezham Tamils in the Tamil Nadu Legislative
Assembly. There are numerous instances of Resolutions passed by the D.M.K., in
its Conferences and Meetings of General Council. D.M.K. had organized
Demonstrations and Public Meetings, Rallys and Human Chains, Fasting and
Striking Work. All genuine forms of Agitations permissible in a Democracy were
organised by us.
Even while ruling the State, we
conducted the longest Human Chain on 24-10-2008 extending from Parrys Corner in
Chennai upto Chenglepet for 60 Kilo Metres, in support of Eezham Tamils. All
Party Leaders and lakhs of people participated in the Human-Chain.
During the final stages of War in Sri
Lanka in 2008-2009, DMK tried its best by taking series of steps to stop
blood-shed. As the expected good news about calling off the war did not reach
me till 5 A.M., on 27-4-2009, I commenced a Fast unto death in Anna Memorial.
Immediately, the Security Council of the Sri Lankan Government held an urgent
meeting.
The Council, after taking stock of the
situation including the on-going War and my Fast unto Death, decided to stop
the war. Based on the Sri Lankan statement that the war was stopped, the
External Affairs Minister of India, issued a Statement, a copy of which was
sent to me to the site of Fasting. Since I believed that the war was over, I
gave up fasting. But what happened was that the Sri Lankan Government misguided
the Government of India and indeed the whole World and I had to rely on the
version of the Government of India.
I am explaining this to you not to
influence your mind. It may be helpful to give shape to your ideas on the Sri
Lankan Situation. It may be useful to formulate your suggestions.
A Theme-Paper has been circulated to
all the participants. The Paper may not be exhaustive. But it is indicative of
the steps to be taken for Re-settlement, Relief and Rehabilitation.
The Paper outlines the condition of
Tamils in Sri Lanka, before and after the War in 2009. It brings out how the
Tamils have been treated as Second-Class Citizens, having been denied their
Constitutional Rights and Opportunities.
It shows how a number of attempts
including Armed Struggle were taken to protect the Dignity and Cultural
Identity of the Tamils.
lt reminds us how various fact-finding
reports of neutral and objective Agencies have confirmed Serious War-Crimes and
Severe Human Rights Violations by the Sri Lankan State.
lt brings to mind how systematic
“Sinhalization” has been taking place and how there has been total disorder and
torturous disturbances in the day-to-day life of the Tamils.
lt presents how the Road to return to
normal life for the Tamils is full of thorny-bushes, mud and mire.
It may be painful to note that the Sri
Lankan Military runs a State of Emergency in the Tamil Areas. It is also
distressing that intimidation in the routine life of the Tamils has increased
after the recent Resolution in Geneva, calling Colombo to promote Post-war
Reconciliation.
The sacrifices made by the Eezham
Tamils are stupendous. The Torture and Abuses, Harassments and Persecutions,
which they have suffered, are undreamt of. The outside support from a number of
Nations is extra-ordinary. Condemnation of the neutral committees and
Strictures, passed by various Countries on the tyrannical attitude of the Sri
Lankan State are striking and shocking. In spite of all this, the problems of
Eezham Tamils are continuing. In fact they are increasing in number and size.
The problem of Eezham Tamils calls for
immediate or short-term, medium-term and long-term solution. Immediate solution
will have to be found for the re-settlement, relief and rehabilitation for the
war-affected and displaced Tamils.
Medium-term solution demands
reconstruction of infra-structural and civic facilities, necessary for a
reasonably decent living. It also covers restoration of Right to Property,
Education and Employment, and Other Democratic Rights.
It includes the problems faced by the
Refugees. Long-term solution is a political solution, which has been discussed
and debated for a very long time.
I am sure that you will ponder over
the length and depth of the issues of Eezham Tamils; reflect on Democratic and
Practical Solutions and make your valuable suggestions and comments. Before I
conclude, I once again, convey my gratitude to all of you for your kind and
active participation in the deliberations of the Conclave.
The forenoon meeting, held at a city
hotel with 36 participants, was convened to discuss and finalise the
resolutions to be passed in the main conference. Lok Jana Sakthi Party
president Ram Vilas Paswan, Samajwadi Party general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav,
National Conference Party general secretary S.D. Shariq, president of the Nava
Sama Samaja Party from Sri Lanka Wikramabahu Karunaratne and dignitaries from
various countries participated in the meeting.
--=
--
“TN
people should help Lankan brethren”
Will
continue struggle to realise ‘Eelam’ dream: Kalaignar
Seeking to rebut criticism that he had
dropped the demand for a separate ‘Tamil Eelam’, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
president Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi on August 12 said he would seek to realise
his life dream with the help of like-minded people in the future, and the
conference he presided over here was only akin to administration of first aid
to the “wounded and bleeding” Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
“I am asked why there is no reference
to ‘Eelam’ at the conference. My explanation is: our first priority is to
dressing the wounds suffered by the Tamils. Following this, within my lifetime,
I will struggle with you to realise my dream with all of you,” he told the
Tamil Eelam Supporters’ Organisation (TESO) conference held at the YMCA Ground,
Royapettah here.
In a resolution, the conference said
that as a country protecting a number of nationalities, India could not remain
silent on the “undemocratic developments” in Sri Lanka. It demanded that India
move a resolution in the United Nations for bestowing full rights on the Tamil
community in the island to decide their own political future. “Can there be a
better resolution than this that will put effective pressure on India?”
Kalaignar asked.
The resolution said: “India should,
therefore, take necessary steps to ensure a total change of environment in Sri
Lanka and a life of equality and peace to the Sri Lankan Tamils by redeeming
their political, economic and cultural rights.”
“I begin my speech paying my heroic
salute to the golden martys, great martyrs, who stood in the battlefield for
witnessing the sweet dawn of Eelam Tamils, sacrificed their lives and turned
into tombs.
In the DMK General Council meeting
held under the chairmanship of Arignar Anna in Cuddalore, I moved a resolution
in support of Lankan Tamils and
demanding paving of way protecting them, seconded by Poovalur Ponnambalanar and
adopted it. Even from that time, DMK leaders and speakers, particularly some
like later friend N.V.Natarajan, frequently visited Lanka and participated in
various programmes. We have such a history. Even before that many musicians and
artists from Tamil Nadu going to Lanka for conducting art programmes for
temples such as Kadirgamam and similarly artists from there coming to Tamil
Nadu was continuing. In fact lakhs of plantation workers in Sri Lanka went
there from Tamil Nadu and settled. Thus Lankan Tamils have a traditional
history for several centuries.
Eelam Tamil leaders continuously
raised voice for getting more rights for Lankan Tamils, create harmony between
Sinhalese and Tamils and for getting Lankan Tamils the same rights of power as
Sinhalese as citizens of the same nation. Notable among them was one of the
senior leaders Thanthai Selvanayakam and those who were assisting him like
Amirthalingam. They conducted various programmes for the welfare of Lankan
Tamils like symposium and special conferences and created an uprising.
The Sinhalese wished that Tamils
should be live without exhibiting spirits like independence and equality and
live lazily according to their dictates and did not accept them acquiring the
feelings of language right and social right and demanding right for recognition
to protect them. They also worked to completely subside them.
As a result Tamils were greatly
affected and at the peak of which the tragedy of Jaffna University set on fire
and reduced to ashes. Following this, those who raised voice for rights were
locked up in Velikadai prison and tortured, hoardings saying ‘available here
Tamils’ meat’ and Tamils shedding blood even in trade centres.
Mother Tamil Nadu could not tolerate
this burning of Tamil race in Lanka. Those who peacefully agitated against the
atrocities of Lanka like Thanthai Selvanayakam and Amirthalingam called for the
help of India particularly Tamil Nadu. They came in person to Tamil Nadu and narrated
the sufferings of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Cutting across party lines leaders and
workers in Tamil Nadu extended hand of support to save Lankan Tamils.
Unfortunately at that time, Thanthai Selva expired rendering no means to
conduct peaceful struggle in Gandhian way and succed.
Instead of strengthening relations in
Indo-Sri Lankan Accord issues like Katchatheevu and livelihood of fishermen
frequently crept up in Tamil Nadu, leaving Tamils in Lanka to perish as the
solution to the problem.
Although Government of India now and
then came forward to help Tamil people’s problems listening to their voice, as
Sinhala domination forces stood in between leaving no way for it and throttled
the voice of Tamils’ demands, the island had to face armed struggle giving up
peaceful struggle. Only after that struggle came to an end, all the voice
raised in Tamil Nadu mingled with air.
The Sri Lankan government, which
pretended as if it will implement the demand of Tamils in Tamil Nadu to halt
the war, even after the end of war, a large part of the effort taken to
completely destroy Tamil people in military action, with heavy ammunition been
accomplished, gave a false assurance to India of stopping the war, turned
darkness permanent in the lives of Tamils, as it schemed to turn darkness
permanent feature in the lives of Tamils. This conference is conducted on
behalf of the TESO with the aim of redeeming means of livelihood for Eelam
Tamils by reclaiming lands from barren state.
The TESO started in 1985 was carrying
out many works telling the miseries of Tamils to other countries, particularly
to the people of Tamil Nadu and India. Myself, Prof. K.Anbazhagan, Veeramany,
Ayyanan Ambalam, Nedumaran, Murasoli Maran, Vaiko and others were involved in
those works. The work of TESO then was to work out plans to save Eelam Tamils
in a peaceful way.
All India leaders like A.B.Vajpayee,
N.T.Rama Rao, H.N.Bahuguna, Ramu Walia, Upendra, Abdul Rasheed Kabul, Jaswant
Singh, Rachaiah, Unnikrishnan, Subramanian Swamy and Dinesh Goswami attended the
conference and said if you give voice standing together united and with one
mind and conduct this war, victory was definite. But that didn’t happen. When
we closed our eyes and deeply thought over it and then opened our eyes and saw
what remained at the end of war was a situation where we had to shed tears.
Lanka turned into a burnt house. “To see the dawn in such a Lanka,
Tirumavalavan said only I could do - with confidence said that in such a huge
gathering in the presence of so many leaders is glorifying and enthusing me”
Kalaignar said adding he took it like the man who said he would carry a
mountain on his head provide all others lift
and place it on his head.
The people of Tamil Nadu have a duty
to help Tamils in Sri Lanka like a mother caring for her children or a brother
extending a helping hand to his siblingsv, Kalaignar said.
He said everybody expected him to
shoulder the entire burden of finding a solution to the Tamils issue, but his
position was similar to that of a strongman who was ready to shoulder a heavy
burden, but could do so only if others gave a helping hand.
“I am being asked why we are not
demanding Tamil Eelam. I want to tell them that the objective of the conference
is to provide first aid to the wound of the bleeding Tamils. Later with your
support I will take up the struggle to achieve the dream of Tamil Eelam,” he
said.
Paswan
wants TESO meets in North India
After
Periyar and Ambedkar,Kalaignar is the protector of social justice
Hailing
Kalaignar as the only leader after Periyar and Ambedkar to protect social
justice, Lok Jansakthi Party leader and former Union Minister Ramvilas Paswan
wished that TESO meets are also conducted outside Tamil Nadu in North India so
that people there know the problems of Eelam Tamils.
Addressing
the TESO conference Thiru Paswan said:
First I want
to congratulate Kalaignarji for holding such a rally to show to the world that
we in India and also in many other countries stand united in the cause of Sri
Lankan Tamils and India is one in supporting them. At the same time we should
all condemn such type of obstruction made by the ADMK government to this
conference. Jayalalitha instead of giving the lead to this cause caused
obstruction till the morning. Yesterday when I reached Chennai airport with
Siva MP, presspersons asked me how you would attend the conference when
permission was not given. I told them it depends upon Kalaignar and he would do
it. The matter went to the court and I thank Madras High Court for giving
permission to this grand function despite obstructions raised by Jayalalitha.
I will not
take much time as I have to return to New Delhi to attend the Parliament and in
the evening I have arranged an Iftar party at my residence.
I wholeheartedly
support the resolutions adopted here. Each of the resolutions was discussed in
depth in the conclave in the morning. There was a healthy discussion on all the
resolutions.
Many people
asked my why are you supporting Tamil Eelam, what is the need for Tamil Eelam,
we don’t want separation in a nation, they said. But what is the way out?
Tamils in Sri Lanka are not new comers. They were living there for thousands of
years. They are the original people of Sri Lanka. In the 17th century the Dutch
invaded there and the British followed. Unfortunately when the British left the
island on Feb.4, 1948 power went to Sinhalese. From then Tamils are treated as
second class citizens. No rights, no voting rights were given to them. No
Tamilian can become Prime Minister or President there.
Massacres are
going on … So far two lakh Tamilians have been killed. In three days 16, 17, 18
of May 2009, 4,000 Tamilians were killed. UN report has said that genocide had
taken place. There is no rehabilitation. India has given Rs.500 crore for
rehabilitation of displaced people. But who are in jails? Tamils have fled
their land and came as refugees to Tamil Nadu. I know they have problems. What
is the way out? There was also a Gandhian movement led by Selva who was called
Eelam Gandhi. There were two agreements signed with the government. But they
were thrown to dustbin.
Thereafter
there were liberation wars. What are the problems of Lankan Tamils? People of
Tamil Nadu know their problems. But outside Tamil Nadu people do not know their
problems. In other states people think Tamils are LTTE, they are terrorists. If
you go to any other part of India, they say terrorists. But why they had to
resort to violence? Our problems are different. Kashmir problem is different.
Here we have federal system. But there Tamil areas are dominated. In 1977
election which was almost a referendum Tamils asserted their rights. But
thereafter massacres started.
This is the
land of Periyar, land of social justice. After Periyar and Ambedkar, Kalaignar
is the only leader for social justice. Now it is your responsibility to get
justice for Lankan Tamils we will fight for it inside Parliament and outside.
We have
worked together in the past for Mandal commission. We have taken up the mission
of protecting the rights of SCs, MBCs and minorities. Now you have to lead us
and conduct such conference outside Tamil Nadu in North India. We know your
health. But you have to live for 1,000 years and guide us.
We have
passed historic resolutions today urging Central and State governments and the
UNO and on the course of our future action, we will urge Prime Minister Dr.
Manmohan Singh and union government to intervene where humanity is threatened
and cruelty is inflicted. The problem of Lankan Tamils will harm the unity and
integrity of our country.
We urge UNO
and Union government to save Tamils from any type of discrimination and find a
political solution and that is why we support Tamil Eelam.
An impartial
investigation led by the United Nations is the only way to render justice to
those affected by war crimes in Sri Lanka, Amnesty International National
Director in India G. Ananth Gurusamy Padmanabhan said.
The island
nation will soon be in the international eye thanks to the impending
Commonwealth Heads of Governments meeting and the U.N. Universal Periodical
Review of Human Rights practices in countries, he pointed out. There was no
doubt there were gross human rights crimes in Sri Lanka, but they were not
one-sided. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was also responsible for
violations such as recruitment of children into the force, he said.
“Nevertheless,
there is a huge responsibility on the Sri Lankan government to ensure impartial
investigation, followed by justice for these crimes. There have been lots of
promises and some efforts with the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission
[LLRC]. But we know that the latest report released in July on the progress in
LLRC was cosmetic,” he said.
Ananth
Gurusamy said Amnesty felt a U.N.-led investigation was the only way to ensure
justice. “There should be punishment based on the findings of the
investigation. Officially, Amnesty is not welcome to Sri Lanka at this time …
but we have our own ways to find out what is going on there.”
Since the
people of Tamil Nadu were very concerned about the Tamils in Sri Lanka, the
State government had a responsibility to safeguard the interests of refugees
and ensure that they were treated in accordance with the U.N. Convention on
Refugees.
The
Government of India had a phenomenal influence because of geographical
proximity and its relationship with the Sri Lankan government. There was a
great opportunity to make public opinion count. “What we want to remind the
Government of India and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is that the relationship
with Sri Lanka is just not a relationship between the governments but between
the people of both countries,” he said.
Sinhala-origin
human rights activist Vickramabahu Karunarathne had some words for DMK chief Kalaignar M Karunanidhi,
appreciating his initiative to revive the TESO. Karunarathne, president of Nava
Sama Samaja party from Colombo, was one among the 20 delegates, who attended
the closed door deliberations at a conclave on protection of right to life and
livehihood of Eelam Tamils.
“Not only
Tamils, even the Sinhalese are repressed by the Lankan government. They are
unable to implement even the recommendations of Lessons Learnt and
Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), which have come from their own committee. Sri
Lankan President Rajapaksa broke the promises made to the Indian leaders that
he will implement LLRC recommendations,” he said, adding that appealing to the
UN would be a useless exercise and only building up a Tamils’ movement would
resolve the issue. “There should be a referendum among Tamils on whether they
are happy with the Lankan government,” the Lankan said.
Describing
the war in the Sri Lanka as a “genocide of Tamils”, Wickramabahu Karunaratne,
leader of the Nava Sama Samaja Party of Sri Lanka, alleged that the military rule
was continuing in Tamil areas even now. He said he found it extremely difficult
to reach India to attend the conference and many of the Tamil leaders faced
similar problems and could not attend the conference.
Dr
Karunaratne said, “Yes I agree that the lands of Tamils are grabbed. Those
lands are sold to multi-national companies. Without any consultation with
Tamils, the government is doing that. Neither the Tamils nor the Sinhalese
gained out of this war. He said, “I appeal to the world leaders to put stress
on Lanka to implement the recommendations of LLRC.”
Dravidar
Kazhagam president K. Veeramani said if Tamil MPs of Sri Lanka themselves could
not attend the TESO conference because of the political situation in the
country, one could guess the conditions of the Tamils living there.
VCK president
and MP Thol Thirumavalavan said that the solution to the Tamils issue could be
achieved only through the formation of Tamil Eelam. “To achieve this, we have
to garner support of the international community for which the DMK has to take
the lead,” The VCK president said.
Besides DMK
general secretary K. Anbazhagan and treasurer M.K. Stalin, Nigerian MP Abdul
Razak Momoh, Sweden MP Nasim Malik and Malasiyan MP Yusmodi Yusoof also spoke.
Swedish
delegate Nasim Malik said countries in the Indian subcontinent should come
together on the lines of the European Union or African Union to work in the
field of human rights.
Abdul Razak
Momoh, a member of Nigerian parliament, noted that the responsibility of
protecting the rights of Lankan Tamils did not rest with Teso or India alone.
The whole world had the responsibility to protect the rights of innocent
Tamils, he said. If UN sanctions can be
imposed on Iran for taking a nuclear route, why cant they be imposed on Sri
Lanka for indulging in human rights violations,
asked Momoh.
The meet
began at the YMCA Ground here as planned after the Madras High Court gave the
go-ahead despite a police order denying permission.
With the
portrait of the S.J.V. Chelvanayagam, better known as Thanthai Selva, the Sri
Lankan federalist, who first demanded a separate ‘Eelam’, adorning the venue
where thousands assembled, the TESO conference began with a troupe singing a
song Iruttaraiyil ullathada Eelam, angey elumbukoodaai irukkindraane Tamilan
(‘Darkness envelopes Eelam, while the Tamilian languishes like a bag of bones’)
penned by Kalaignar.
‘Let us resolve to back all efforts of
Kalaignar’
TESO
Conference Reception Committee Chairman and DMK Treasurer Thalapathi M.K.Stalin
called upon those who stand for the cause of Eelam Tamils to resolve to stand
in support of all efforts taken by TESO Chairman and DMK President Kalaignar
M.Karunanidhi in protecting the Eelam Tamils.
In his
welcome address in the conference, Thiru Stalin at the outset clarified that
until 1 pm on the day arrangements for the conference were made at Anna
Arivalayam as rescheduled, but the High Court then permitted the conduct of the
conference here in YMCA ground as originally planned.
“The State government and the police
department even planned to approach the Supreme Court to get a stay of the High
Court direction. But they could not succeed,” Thiru Stalin said. The DMK had
filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to stall a possible ex-parte order, as soon
as a Division Bench gave the green signal to the conference on August 12
afternoon.
Hence we have
scored the first victory of this conference even before the start of its
proceedings.
Lankan Tamils
have undergone enough misery so far. They belong to a glorious nationality and
having all distinctions of the oldest language of the world, culture etc., But
still the reason for their present condition is the treachery of history.
Anurathapuram, Jaffna, Vanni , Polanaruvai, Thampathenia and Kandy are the
silent witnesses of over 2,500 years of history of Lanka. In this long
historical paths there was a period of glory of Tamils and also a period of
their decay.
There are two
nationalities in Lanka. Sinhalese and Tamils, there are 35 lakh Tamils in
Lankan island with 1.5 crore population. Besides traditional areas like
religion, language, culture, the issue of majority and minority war – also
exploding like volcano now and then.
Among such a
condition of fire beneath ashes from 10th to 20th century – i.e., upto 1948,
there were invasions of foreigners. First the invasion of Portuguese followed
by the Dutch and then the British. The British left Lanka in 1948 in a confused
state as when they left India.
Due to the
new political reforms of the British rule the political freedom of Tamil people
in Lanka was much affected and also they lost their identity of their
traditional territory. After securing independence from the British the
arrogant regime of Sinhalese dominated. We cannot forget that history
shamefully recorded unleashing of injustice and atrocities on Tamils. We can
understand and tolerate, if it is one flag and one constitution. But we cannot
accept one religion, one language and one culture and ‘we for ruling and Tamils
for dying’ said by Sinhala dominators.
Let us remind
now Thanthai Selva called ‘Eelam Gandhi’ who first raised the voice against
Sinhala chauvinist rule in independent Lanka. In 1952 he contested in election
from Kangesanthurai constituency inhabited mostly by Tamils. Another Tamilian
Natesan Pillai contested against him. After all history of Tamils is Tamils
clashing with Tamils and destroying.’
In that
election, Selva who was raising voice for Tamils was defeated. Despite the
defeat Selva did not stop conducting politics for Tamils and striving for the rights
of Tamils. Wishing that the next generation of Tamils should live with dignity
and heads up, he served till his lost breath.
Similarly our
leader Kalaignar continues to raise his voice for Tamil race least bothered
about victory and defeat in elections. It is as a stage in that background
history, the Eelam Tamils Rights Protection Conference is being held. Kalaignar
has convened this conference for Government of India and countries in the world
to come forward to extend hand of assistance to Tamil race withering unable to
move livelihood after the end of Fourth Eelam War.
The First
Eelam War against the systematic cruelty of racist Lankan regime started in
April 1983. The Second Eelam War was between June 1990 and April 1995, in which
11,000 Tamils were killed. 600 were subjected to torture, 10,000 Tamils were
missing and 2,400 were rendered physically handicapped and seriously injured.
From 1988 to
1992 in four years Sri Lankan armed forces destroyed 1.50 lakh houses belonging
to Tamils. 1,000 women were widowed, 4.67 children were orphaned, 700 temples
were razzed down.
Bunches of
deaths, severe diseases, insufficient food, people displaced out of their
places, there were so many such cruelties.
In the Third
Eelam War from April 1995 to February 2002, mob molestations and rapes,
imprisoning without reasons stoppage of medicine and such atrocities and
anarchies multiplied. 10 lakh Tamils were displaced, 184 instances of genocide
took place. Thousands of children were murdered, bundled in sacks and the
bodies of children were thrown into the sea. 400 churches were damaged,
journalists, Christian priests and children were very casually killed.
In the Fourth
Eelam War from December 2005 to 2009, 3,350 Tamils were killed and 15 lakh
people ran away seeking places to save their lives.
The figures I
have compiled and stated are not on hearsay but the figures given in the
documents complied by the Justice Department of the USA. Once the Bandaranaike
- Selvanayagam Agreement was said to be on par with Gandhi – Irwin pact.
In 1950s, it
was expected to light the lives of Tamils. But that pact further hardened
darkness.
In 1960s, the
Bandaranaike - Selvanayagam Pact was also of no use.
In 1970s
Sirimavo – Selvanayagam agreement, which solved seeds of hope in the minds of
Tamils after discussing about federalism, autonomy and district councils, also
got wasted.
In 1987, the
young Indian leader Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi signed an agreement with Lankan
President Jayawardane with a lot of expectations.
Even after 25
years rolled down that agreement has not come into effect yet.
Our leader
Kalaignar continues to raise voice for Eelam Tamil for over 50 years.
Taking into
considerations further deterioration of conditions in Eelam after Geneva
resolution (of the UNHRC) Kalaignar has relaunched TESO.
Through this
conference Kalaignar in involved in taking forward through this conference
efforts needed, with the help of Government of India, assistance of the UNO and
in connection with international human rights organization to wipe out
sufferings of Eelam Tamils, applying balm to wounds and to search new life for
expatriate Tamils.
Still firmly
believing in what Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, “India cannot do much, for her
children abroad. But, she does not forget them, and every insult to them, is
humiliation and sorrow for her. A day will come, when her long arm of
protection will extend and strength will compel justice for them,” with the
hope that the day will blossom, in the path of Ahimsa of Mahatma Gandhi and on
the nonviolent path shown by Arignar Anna in whatever efforts that Kalaignar
takes to protect Eelam Tamils, Let us resolve to stand in support.”
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