Date:18/07/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/07/18/stories/2002071802031200.htm

Opinion - News Analysis

Will it be a permanent divide?

By V.S. Sambandan

Sri Lankan armymen near a shop burnt by the LTTE in Valaichchenai. — Photo: Sriyantha Walpola

VALAICHCHENAI (Sri Lanka) July 17. A couple of years ago, when a bitter military conflict was raging, this eastern town 30 km from Batticaloa was buzzing with business. Now, when the guns are no longer blazing, a funeral silence has descended upon Valaichchenai. Burnt-out shops stand where vibrant trade took place till the end of June. Shop-keepers who would have been busy with their clientele, have nothing to do but look helpless. Armed soldiers are back, outnumbering traders huddled in groups along the street.The history of Valaichchenai changed on June 27 when it became the victim of communal violence, the first since a ceasefire between the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan Government. While there are various versions of what happened, an overwhelming feeling is that the visible political presence of the Tigers in the east had contributed to the flare-up. The fragility of peace in the eastern province is evident from the manner in which the present disturbances cascaded from its starting point at Mutur, in Trincomalee district, 80 km north of Valaichchenai.

Already irked by what the Muslims saw as the LTTE's reluctance to protect them and the "extortion on traders'', a sudden call was given for a general closure on June 27. The violence that engulfed the town was quelled only after curfew was clamped that night.

A police officer saw the violence as one backed by the Tigers who "wanted the hartal to fail''. Disagreeing, a Tamil resident says that unlike in the past the "Tamil youth were out on the streets as they did not have to fear arrests because the ceasefire was on''.

Muslim traders were guarded and some, requesting not to be named, blamed the "forces backing the Tamils'' for the violence and "the police and the army for not controlling the situation''. The violence that swept Valaichchenai claimed 11 lives and destroyed property worth billions of rupees.

The question now on the minds of those in this hot spot is whether there will be a permanent divide between the two communities.Though the town had seen clashes in the past, "my fear now is whether both communities will think that they have had enough and decide to move completely away'', said a concerned resident, requesting anonymity. However, Hyder Ali, a primary school teacher asserted: "we cannot be inimical to each other''. "Yes, the Tamils will need us for trading their produce and we will need their clientele,'' a merchant concurred.

``For the past 21 days, the town has not been functioning properly,'' points out Arulnathan, a Methodist priest. "They are unable to live together because there is fear and tension.'' Hanifa, a trader, is reluctant to place the blame entirely on either the Tamils or the Muslims. "Everyone is responsible.'' Another trader, requesting not to be named, is concerned about his long list of debtors.

"They do not even come this side. I can at least get my dues that run to more than Rs. two lakhs.'' Though an agreement between the security forces and the LTTE's political leadership has brought the situation under control, uncertainty prevails. ``The Tigers should now implement what they have promised'', a policeman said adding that unless the assurances are carried out at the ground level, "the distrust will continue''.