TNA not concerned about the LTTE
By Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) told Parliament yesterday that it was not concerned about the LTTE, but insisted the government to find a political solution to the national question.
TNA Jaffna district MP N. Sri Kantha said that his party was concerned only about the civilians, but that the government had branded them LTTE supporters.
“But it is this very same government’s politicians and officials who went to Kilinochchi during the 2005 Presidential elections and solicited the LTTE’s support, addressing their leaders ‘Machang’. In fact, we were fighting the LTTE between 1986 and 1994,” said Mr. Sri Kantha.
He said that the government had almost defeated the LTTE militarily, and it was now concerned about regaining the tiny strip of land where thousands of civilians were trapped. The MP requested the government to announce a ceasefire so that his party could appeal to the Tigers to release the civilians.
“The Tamil people have been hurt physically and mentally. Here is a historic opportunity for you to offer them a political solution. We can cooperate with you in this task. Even the LTTE can be tied down to such an agreement,” he said.
“The LTTE had thousands of cadres in its ranks last year. Except for those few now trapped in the safe zone, the others would have melted into the Wanni jungles or infiltrated into the Eastern Province. This means there is a possibility that they will go in for guerrilla warfare, though they have been defeated militarily now. Are we going for it or for a political solution to resolve this problem once and for all?” he asked.
Criticising India, he said that the government was able to defeat the LTTE with the help of the Indian government led by Sonia Gandhi. Therefore, he said, the Tamil people were angrier with the Indian government than with Sri Lanka today. And Sonia Gandhi had been forced to cancel her election rallies in Tamil Nadu and gone to some other states for electioneering.Deputy Power and Energy Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who spoke after him, branded the TNA as a party supporting the LTTE. Mr. Aluthgamage said that Mr. Sri Kantha would earn the wrath of the Tamils because of his pro-LTTE stance. The deputy minister also slammed the TNA MP for his critical remarks about India.
“India is the only country that has come forward to help the Tamils by making various donations. We have to thank India. You have only India left for any such assistance,” he said.
DAILYMIRROR.LK
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