Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Kilinochchi and after

The editorial “Kilinochchi and after” (Jan. 5) was timely and prophetic. The death knell for the LTTE is loud and clear. Its chief V. Prabakaran squandered away the opportunities for a peaceful and honourable settlement of the ethnic issue of Sri Lankan Tamils. His uncompromising attitude caused the death of many innocent people and, now, the LTTE’s downfall.

It is now time for President Mahinda Rajapaksa to display magnanimity and statesmanship and offer a fair deal to the Tamils within the framework of the Sri Lankan Constitution. It is also time for the Sri Lankan Tamil groups to come together and negotiate an honourable settlement.

Comdt G.V. Mathew (retd.),

Thiruvananthapuram

Now that Kilinochchi has fallen, it is only a matter of days before the Tigers are cleared out of the Mullathivu forests too. Instead of just celebrating the victory, the Sri Lankan government should address the root cause of the ethnic strife. The discrimination of the Tamils on the basis of their ethnicity, language and religion should stop. The government should consider the long-term demand of the Tamils — an autonomous region comprising the north and east with special powers within a unified Sri Lanka. Reservation should be provided for the Tamils in government services, police forces and the military.

Amaresan Pattusamy,

Tiruvannamalai

The LTTE under Prabakaran was one of the most dreaded, organised and wealthy terrorist organisations for nearly 25 years. By defeating such a terrorist force, the Sri Lankan armed forces have proved their mettle. But their mission will be accomplished only when the elusive LTTE chief is caught alive or dead. The Sri Lankan Tamils can look forward to a more peaceful life now — after decades of bonded life under the LTTE.

Capt. T. Raju (retd.),

Secunderabad

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