Terror Days are Numbered

Dilrook Kannangara

Our gallant army has shown their prowess and courage in defeating terrorists once again.

However, it is worth to note the enormous cost we suffered, August alone 160 soldiers have died. It is upto the military high command to craft strategies that reduce army casualties. This is especially important when considering the fact that our enemy has total disregard for human lives; the lives of their own kith and kin.
It is important that heavy weaponry is used until the path is clear to proceed for the foot soldier. Army casualties are highlighted by “pro-peace” groups for their own advantage, i.e. to equate LTTE casualties to that of the army. I have had first hand accounts of misery parents of our soldiers suffered searching for their sons at Victoria Hospital few years ago. It should never be allowed to happen again. At any cost, lives and limbs of our soldiers should be protected. It is futile to sacrifice their lives to protect civilian lives in the North.

SL military deserve another compliment for planned and timely use of relevant equipment. KFir jets have proved aptly suitable in this kind of situations. It is farsighted planning that procured these Israeli wonders. Both the present government and the previous governments have to be lauded for their contribution. It is worthwhile to note that agreements for military cooperation with Pakistan was initiated in 2003.

Need of the hour is to protect economic and civilian targets amidst cowardly threats the LTTE made recently. They have proved time and time again their brutality and precision in doing so. Lets face it. It is not that difficult to launch an attack in Colombo. Maybe it is only a matter of weeks till a major attack is carried out with much damage. Albeit, military operations should not stop in the face of terror. Severe retaliatory attacks will be needed to make the LTTE pay for war crimes. Regressive slogans by “pro-peace” groups should be ignored for the sake of national security.

Anyone would agree that capturing Sampur was in retaliation to the attack on Trinco. We should stick to our plans of not bowing down to terror. Therefore I urge well in advance that all peace loving citizens to press for continuance of military operations in the midst of terror attacks. If we adopt the ostrich way of hiding our heads in sand when faced with a challenge, the end to our civilization is closer that anyone’s guess. Lets stick to our guns and jets till the job is complete.