Targeted Assassination of Chief Political Negotiator Demonstrates Sinhala Racism is Spearheading a Resolution to the Tamil National Question Through Military Means

November 4, 2007 -- The Tamils all over the world are saddened by the death of Mr. S. P. Tamilselvan, Chief Negotiator and Political Head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. He was assassinated by the Sri Lankan government air force which targeted and fired at him from the air. Such targeted assassination is yet another illegal act of the government of Sri Lanka. The Tamils all over the world are one with his family in mourning the loss of a great man. We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and the families of Anpumani (Alex), Mihuthan, Nethagy, Adchivel, and Mavaikkumaran who were also killed in the air attack.

Mr. Tamilselvan was completely dedicated to the Tamil quest for the realization of their right to self-determination.  He believed that through diplomatic means both the Sinhala nation and the Tamil nation could exercise their right to self-determination and peacefully co-exist on the island of Sri Lanka.  He has worked tirelessly to shed light upon the sufferings of the Tamil people under the yoke of the permanent Sinhala domination and has articulated the moral justifications of the Tamil cause to the international community.  He told the Tamil story in a persuasive and meaningful manner. The assassination of Mr. Tamilselvan is an irreparable loss to both the Tamil nation and the peace process. With an ever smiling face coupled with confidence and firmness he worked with various international diplomats and earned their respect. 

Mr. Tamilselvan firmly believed that the Tamils’ quest for self-determination is, in essence, a campaign for the right of democratic entitlement.  He envisioned a democratic Tamil Eelam.  The Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) proposal [which was prepared under the able leadership of Mr. Tamilselvan] guarantees the rule of law and contains the framework for the establishment of democratic institutions with an emphasis on human-rights.  He played a crucial role in the formation of the North East Secretariat of Human Rights (NESoHR) to protect and promote the human rights of the people in the de facto state of Tamil Eelam.

The Tamils all over the world strongly condemn this targeted assassination.  It is illegal under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Principles on Effective Prevention and Investigation of the Extra-Legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions.  We call upon the international community to join us in condemning this terrorist act.  We also believe that any material support provided by the international community in support of the government of Sri Lanka facilitated this terrorist act.

The Tamil National Leader Mr. Pirabaharan has called Mr. Tamilselvan the “peace dove” of the Tamil nation.  We are bewildered to learn that he was on the top of the GOSL’s hit list, as targeting the Chief Negotiator would be a clear indication that the Sinhala nation still seeks to resolve the Tamil national question through military means. 

By targeting the Chief Negotiator, the Sinhala racism of the GOSL is sending a clear message to the Tamil nation and the international community that it is not interested in a negotiated settlement.

We hope that the international community will charter a new course that guarantees the basic human rights of all individuals and the equality of all nations in the island of Sri Lanka.  We believe that such a course would promote peace and stability in South Asia.

Association of Tamil Americans, USA

Carolina Tamil Americans

Illankai Tamil Sangam – California, USA

Illankai Tamil Sangam – Florida, USA

Illankai Tamil Sangam – USA

Ilankai  Tamil Sangam –Texas, USA

Ohio Tamil Association – Ohio, USA

Tamil Refugees Rehabilitation Organization - California

Tamil Youth Organization - USA

Tamil Welfare and Human Rights Committee – District of Columbia, USA

World Tamil Women Organization – USA

World Tamil Coordinating Committee – USA