Prof. Hoole and the silencing of the Tamils

The fate of VC - designate of the Jaffna University, Professor Ratnajeevan Hoole, epitomises the harrowing condition of the more spirited sections of the Tamil people who possess the strength of character to stand-up to LTTE terror and tyranny.

Those who wish to get along with the LTTE should first prove pliable tools in the hands of the LTTE. Those who resent such a deplorable status would be visited with LTTE terror and this is what befell Professor Hoole. So great was this terror that the Professor was compelled to flee the country along with his family members who also faced the terrible wrath of the Tigers.

Here is clear proof that one cannot have a mind of one's own when dealing with the LTTE. Independence of mind and boldness of spirit are anathema to the LTTE. This is the reason why Professor Hoole was resented by the Tigers. From the viewpoint of the LTTE, only its will exists.

It and it alone would decide for the Tamil people. Those who defy the LTTE diktat just would not be put up with. This is added proof that the Tamil people should be prepared to be the serfs, slaves and "yes" men and women of the Tigers. In other words, they need to be prepared for a living-death in the paws of the Tiger.

Needless to say, this is not the fate any right-thinking person would wish for the Tamil people. It would be in their interests to rise against Tiger terror and defeat the LTTE's separatist agenda.

As the country is probably aware, Prof. Hoole was a progressive-minded individual who was acutely conscious of the rights of the people. He is reputed to have fought injustices at many a level. He also had grand, progressive plans for the Jaffna University and the Northern peninsula. It is such an individual who the Tigers have forced to flee his country.

The fate which has befallen Prof. Hoole should prompt the international community into working concertedly towards blunting Tiger terror and completely neutralizing it. The world community should also take cognizance of the joint statement issued by the All Party Conference at the end of talks with President Rajapaksa. It proves adequately that while the South is for a negotiated solution, it is the LTTE which is sabotaging any efforts towards bringing peace and reconciliation to this land.

We clearly do not want the "peace of the graveyard." We are certain this would not be desired by the world community too. It has seen the grave tragedies which have befallen those countries which came under the tyranny of terror groups which understood only the language of armed confrontation and mass bloodshed. Asia is not short of such "peaceful graveyards."

However, what the Government desires is an honourable, just peace. It cannot submit to armed oppression in the process.

However, it is for fairplay and justice. If it is the latter which the LTTE is seeking, it should enter through the door of negotiations.