From violence to politics

The declaration made by former Tamil militant groups in the fray in the Batticaloa Local Government Elections of their desire to embrace the political process would be welcomed by not only the moderate forces in Sri Lanka's politics but also all those desiring an end to the use of violence as a means for winning political demands, which at different times in the post-independent history had plunged the country into turmoil until its gradual degeneration into fully blown ethnic war threatening the dismemberment of the Sri Lankan State.

According to our Daily News staffer who was in Batticaloa during the weekend the former armed groups namely the TMVP, PLOTE, EPDP and EPRLF who are in the running have professed their commitment to the political process to usher in democracy through a vibrant civil administration structure.

Of these groups the last three are already fully involved in the democratic process with the EPDP already represented in Cabinet and the EPRLF and PLOTE having had ex-Members of Parliament.

The TMVP mayoral candidate says that although his party had earlier retained some weapons in the face of threats by the LTTE even this had been done way with following their induction into the electoral process.

There will of course be those critics who may snigger and scoff at these statements of professed allegiance to a democratic process by a group which not so long ago were considered as the linchpin of the LTTE's fighting machinery.

But the fact remains that they broke away from the outfit and is now beginning to taste the fruits of civilian life and what is more have entered the democratic process renouncing its past.

It is of course a huge bonus to the Government that a vital segment that could be considered as the main battle arm of the LTTE had decided to opt out of hostilities giving the forces a sizeable victory against a major flank of the LTTE thrust without firing a single shot so to speak.

Their entry into the national mainstream is not a development that should be scoffed at and belittled considering what might have been had not the split taken place in the LTTE.

It cannot be denied that this greatly facilitated the forces' capture of the East and even now forms a strong bulwark against the LTTE in the region.

Dialogue and accommodation have been the current course with Governments the world over, plagued with rebel uprisings. Countries like Nepal are an ideal example where a ruthless band of terrorists were persuaded to lay down their arms and enter the democratic process.

The transformation had succeeded to such a degree that now the Maoist rebels have a significant say in Governance and are a key player in reforms and the formation of Nepal's new Republic Constitution.

All past Lankan Heads of State too opted for negotiations with the LTTE. President R. Premadasa invited the wrath of many by holding the discussions with the LTTE in star class hotels and providing material assistance - all in a honest bid to get the Tigers to change their ways and enter the democratic process.

It is ironic indeed that those who were members of that Government are today denouncing the present bid to accommodate a breakaway group of the LTTE which had pledged to turn a new leaf and enter the democratic process.

The transition of terrorist groups into democratic entities cannot be achieved overnight and involves a delicate process of persuasion and accommodation. Many Governments in the world plagued with terrorism had offered concessions to get terrorist groups to abandon their mission.

Admittedly this process is not without its risks as learnt by President Premadasa the hard way. But the risk would be worth it if in the end the terrorists can be turned around from their destructive campaign and inducted into the general polity.

That the endeavour proved futile under every Government due to the intransigence of the LTTE is all too well known. It certainly was not for want to trying.

It goes without saying any Government should avail itself of any opportunity that could help break down the edifice of terrorism. The exit of Karuna faction which formed an integral part of the LTTE's fighting machine has helped to make huge dent in that edifice. What is more, this faction pledged do down arms and enter the democratic process.

The Government has been presented with an ideal opening to fight terrorism to a finish with the LTTE devoid of its main flank while at the same time building the democratic foundations in the region.

The hiatus in the LTTE military apparatus in the East also means less lives lost on the battle front.

It is the fervent of hope of all that the LTTE too would eventually be brought into the ambit of democracy obviating the need for armed confrontation sparing the nation further bloodshed and destruction.