FALL 1996
Editorial
The Sinhala rule up to the late eighties, the LTTE administration from 1990 to 1995, and the Sinhala reign once again since 1995, are three distinct periods in the recent history of Thamileelam.
The events during these three separate terms provide, a meaningful body of evidentiary material, for a valid comparison of the two governances.
Take, for instance, the basic, day-to-day, safety and security of ordinary citizens.
It is common knowledge that, under the Tamil administration, the people of Thamileelam felt physically secure (except for the risk of Sri Lankan bombs and shells). Young Tamil women walked and cycled freely, unescorted, and without fear, even at night. There were no molestations, rapes or shallow graves for them.
Under the Tamil government, education was encouraged, culture was fostered, religious freedom was assured, and the sanctity of religious institutions respected. Despite the constraints of a cruel economic embargo, development and agricultural production were promoted, towards a self-sufficient Eelam. There was mass participation in most civic and public activities, and the distribution of scarce resources, such as food and medicine, was fair and equitable.
This issue of the Tamil Voice has details of the contrasting, oppressive, and tyrannical conditions in Thamileelam under the Sinhala re-occupation, and there is no need to elaborate or restate them here.
There were, indeed, some unfortunate aspects to the Tamil incumbency. Both the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE operated under security threats. To the LTTE they came, not only from the opposing Sri Lankan armed forces, but also from fellow Tamils, armed and paid by the Sri Lanka government. Thus, there were reports of human rights violations by the LTTE. But, in scope and magnitude, they pale in comparison to the violations of individual and collective rights of Tamils by the Sri Lanka government and its armed occupiers. The essential difference is that the LTTE, though not elected, were accountable and responsible to the Tamil people. The Sinhala armed forces are not. They are carrying out a program desired by Sinhala political will, and not by Tamil aspirations.
The mass exodus of the Tamil people, once from Jaffna (1995) and again from Kilinochchi (1996), has authenticated the preference of the people of Thamileelam. Hundreds of thousands left their homes to live under trees, without food, exposed to the elements and diseases, just to escape the marauding Sri Lankan army.
There is no surprise here. After all, Tamils have experienced both - the oppressive and cruel Sinhala rule (1948-1989), and the comparative safety under the LTTE's tenure (1990-1995). In fact, this is simply a reaffirmation of their resolve at the 1977 ballot, to be free.
The affinity and the passion of the Tamil people to govern themselves is clear. It is the duty and obligation of every human - Tamil, Sinhalese and others - to endorse, support and promote the right of the people of Thamileelam to self determination.
