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Reaching a solution guaranteeing Muslim's interest isn't a problem Tamilselvan briefs the Muslims

There are times when we were in strong bonds of relationship in the integrated NorthEast that comprises our homeland. In later days when our liberation struggle was at its peak the communal elements among the Sinhala majority, with their motives to weaken our struggle attempted to cause rifts in our relationship and such tactics were helpful in their favour during a certain period of time. At that point of time, our leader and we had to take a very unfortunate and unacceptable decision. Though it was a tragedy as far as we are concerned we were unavoidably and reluctantly compelled to arrive at such a bitter decision. Even in the mind of our leader and as per the stand taken by our organisation we were steadfast in our resolve to bring about an environment and ethos in our soil where both the communities could one day live together with dignity. It was the Sinhala state that precipitated such a horrible situation for the tragedy to bring about enormous rifts and complications in our midst. In that context we had no alternative but to act the way we did. We realise the impact in the minds of the northern Muslims consequent to our unfortunate and unavoidable action. We don't of course, justify that bitter decision but regret that tragedy came to pass entirely due to the circumstances at that time. Hence these days and in the days to come let us regain our goodwill and rebuild our good and cordial relationships. We, as a vital organisation taking forward our struggle for our legitimate rights, had to face extreme hardships and crises in our struggle. Mr. Tamilselvan dwelt on his apology at length and explained exhaustively the need to resist the decisive forces and expressed the confidence of his leadership and that of the organisation that they could transform those conditions, created by the state that crippled their relationship with the Muslims."

"This is realistic today as we are strong and vigorous enough to govern ourselves. This is why we met the Muslim leadership soon after signing the MoU. We commenced with a program of work to rebuild our good relationship in order to progress toward a future of political stability. Even that has unfortunately got weakened."

When we had taken some preliminary steps, in the early days of the MoU coming into force, to identify a leadership for the Muslims and negotiate with them in respect of political future there came about a division in the Muslim leadership. The different sections in their leadership took different stands and were in their own politics. Each of their sectors was bent on ensuring its stand and to gain support for the respective stands and started expressing such views that could hinder our endeavours. At this stage we resolutely took a stand. We now appeal to our Muslim fraternity not to pawn their real need of security and their political future to gain short-while political power and influence. So we request them to be conscious that we are of the same tongue. Though our religious identities differ in some respect it is not a problem to realise the Muslims' political aspirations and guarantee their security and political future in reaching a solution. This isn't feasible only if they allow themselves to be surmounted by the Sinhala state power and fall within its ambit.

We feel that this possibility of guarantee could be a certainty and it would be reinforced as we regain our good understanding and rebuild our cordial relationship and progress with political activities establishing a unity in our homeland comprised of the integrated NorthEast.

If everyone attempts to satisfy the Sri Lankan politics and act accordingly a solution within our homeland comprising the NorthEast is not feasible. What we built up during the last two years is now abruptly at halt. The political tug of war that has been going on in Sri Lankan politics for the past fifty years is the whole cause for the abrupt halt of the peace process.

Let not the Muslims be guided by the armed forces and let us all act together in fraternity. 38 delegates from the Muslim Press Association of Eastern Sri Lanka arrived at Klinochchi via Jaffna on Friday afternoon and met Mr. S. P. Tamilselvan at the LTTE political headquarters in Kilinochchi. They discussed on the current political situation. The meeting lasted two hours. Mr. R. Thurairatnam, the president of the Press Association briefed on the political situation prevailing in the East, the third party interference with Tamil-Muslims affairs and what prevails due to this interference.

29 December 2003

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