Archives

The problems of perception

Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Saundranayagam, has perhaps expressed what most impartial observers of the peace process would be articulating today in reaction to the ways in which the LTTE is treated in some sections of the local media: "Give the LTTE more time."

One of the foremost tasks facing Southern opinion in particular today is to separate truth from myth and folklore. Unfortunately legend and untested opinions abound in current political discourse betraying glaring gaps in knowledge and intellectual input.

One of these is the clichetic notion that the "Tiger couldn't be expected to change its stripes" - a banal sentiment best suited to be heard in verandah gossip. However, this happens to be the preferred characterization of the LTTE among some sections which pose as opinion-moulders.

Needless to say, such superficiality in thinking would only help in perpetuating current myths and misperceptions. All this in spite of incontrovertible evidence that some militant groups in other parts of the world have given up armed struggles and have entered the political mainstream on being offered a political solution to their grievances. The IRA is the latest such group to view political options favourably.

Nevertheless, the transition from a guerrilla organisation to a political outfit is found to be fitful and long on account of the numerous reservations and fears long years of war tend to breed. The LTTE is no exception to this rule. We need to bear with it, without turning a blind eye to its lapses.

However, peace is a two-way process.

The LTTE needs to enter the democratic mainstream and cultivate its forms and practices without prompting the impression that it is trigger-happy and impetuous while the rest of the polity needs to provide the LTTE with all the encouragement to do so.

If opposition political forces in the South engage feverishly in power grabbing machinations, the LTTE couldn't be expected to let down its defences in a hurry. If opportunistic political forces and their backers engage ravenously in undermining the peace process, one couldn't expect Tamil opinion to rest content that peace will finally be their lot.

Southern opinion, therefore, would do well to play a constructive rather than a destructive role in the peace effort. Efforts to sabotage the peace effort would only keep the country on the boil.

The LTTE, on the other hand, needs to assess the magnitude of the task on its hands. If the peace effort is to bear fruit they should indeed say goodbye to arms and militancy.

Besides renouncing the armed struggle they should also provide clear evidence of having done so. Questionable conduct on their part would only help in reinforcing tensions. This in turn would be seized by hardline political forces and their backers for the exaction of propaganda mileage.

It is also crucially important that the sides adhere strictly to the ceasefire agreement. If this is done, reconciliation wouldn't be a distant prospect.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager