Time to de-merge North & East

Shenali Waduge

What began as a simple operation to open the sluice gates turned into a mini-battle that people have gone so far as to term “Eelaam IV”.

The Cease Fire Agreement only resulted in creating puppets out of the Armed forces while protecting the tiger militia with the help of Nordic Peace Keepers.

We can but guess what real reasons prompted the Rajapakse government to give the green light to attack the rebels from air, sea and ground but it did create a shock for the rebel leadership and even the Nordic peace keepers.

Yet, the seemingly humanitarian gesture to take on the rebels to release the sluice gates by the Government has in fact created a humanitarian crisis for the people of Muttur. Thousands are without homes or fear returning to what was their home.

With news of the military continuing its targets on the tigers despite the opening of the sluice gates it leaves us wondering what exactly the Government is planning to do?

If we are carrying out “precision bombing” it would mean that the Government is planning to take control of the entire Eastern Province and force the rebels to withdraw to the North of Sri Lanka.

If the military is able to without political interference (internally & from foreign nations) consolidate itself in the East, it would be the best time to take action to de-merge the East from the North and ensure that the entire East of Sri Lanka falls under Government control.

It would be advised that petty politics be set aside for this to take place by all parties and leaders concerned.