Hooliganism as a Political Arsenal

Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka! Emperor Supreme of Sri Lanka? Goon Elect of Sri Lanka? Persecutor-of-all-against of Sri Lanka?

I wake up this morning to a front page interview with the man, a profile photo of a man set and determined, confident and ruthless (seemingly). I dread and shudder. I read on…

While politicians of Tamilnadu have clamoured to support Sri Lankan Tamils during election times, I have never understood the connection beyond it being a political stunt. When Tamil refugees worked as maids in my home when I was growing up, I never empathized with their plight. When I encountered Sri Lankan Tamils in the streets of Paris trying to fraternize with me, I shrugged off. Now I look back and ponder.

Readers, don’t be disillusioned by my new found empathy. I am no supporter of erstwhile LTTE. I can never support an organization that introduced suicide bombing to the world. I can never support an organization that indulged in a bloody war displacing millions for several decades. All I am concerned about is the plight (possibly worsening) of the Sri Lankan Tamils.

The West thinks it can put diplomatic pressure on Sri Lanka to yield to its demands. Here the situation is not like in Afghanistan or Iraq or even North Korea where people are suppressed and hurt and itching to break free. There is a majority in Sri Lanka which considers Mahinda Rajapaksa a man worth his weight in gold. Asian countries are lining up to support Sri Lanka with aid, development projects etc. And Mahinda knows how to play the game of economics. ‘Split the spoils and no one complains.’

The Tamils, I suspect, are in for a raw deal. The belligerent man has changed tune and now is stating that they (the Tamils) should come and negotiate with him. He also states that there will be other leaders (like Vellupillai Prabhakaran) and he (Rajapaksa) will have to deal with them. The president leaves no doubt in my mind that he thinks he is above the law and the people.

Unfortunately, countries such as India and China who may hold the strongest influence on him are preoccupied by other strategic concerns. A concerted effort by the worldwide community is essential to deal with this man. No sanctions are going to work here.

Sadly, today I do not have answers. This is a problem that the world will see growing worse over the next few decades. I recognize the following options, albeit a little premature, for dealing with this problem:

• Pressure from the world community to rehabilitate and mainstream the Tamils in an equitable manner
• Formation and active involvement of an organization to represent the Sri Lankan Tamils. Such an organization could start outside the country and possibly move in after things are neutral. A host nation could be India or China
• The Tamil and Muslim parties in Sri Lanka playing some smart moves to get wider attention (even though I dislike this idea as it may lead to long-term vote bank problems)
• An active judiciary in Sri Lanka dealing strictly and swiftly with all cases suggesting political hooliganism

These suggestions may not amount to much but this is a work in progress and I will keep a track of our brethren across the straits. (I  never thought I would use these words but I guess they are irrespective of whether we use the words or not)

P.S.: Hats off to N.Ram for a candid interview with Mahinda Rajapaksa

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