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Thursday, Oct 30, 2008
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Praiseworthy

The interview of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa by N. Ram (Oct. 29) came at the right time and cleared the misgivings of many not only in Sri Lanka but also in India. Mr. Rajapaksa’s remark that a military solution is for the terrorists, and a political solution is for the people is just and deserves praise. His approach to establishing peace while dealing firmly with the LTTE is in the right direction. His vision of four Ds — demilitarisation, democratisation, development and devolution — can be realised only if the LTTE is isolated.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Srirangam

Mr. Rajapaksa has succeeded in driving the LTTE deeper into the forests. That the Tigers do not represent the Tamils is evident from the numerous dissensions and acts of silencing the opposition in the past many years. Velupillai Prabakaran is finding the chase too hot and tiring these days. His notorious deeds are catching up with him. Being a peace-loving neighbouring country and an emerging international power, we should help Sri Lanka fight secessionism and find a lasting political solution. Mr. Rajapaksa’s statement that he has a military solution for the terrorists and a political solution for the people is welcome. A very bold stand which no Sri Lankan politician has taken in a long time!

George Easaw,

Bangalore

The interview was succinct and reassuring. In Mr. Rajapaksa, we have a leader who is ready to go all the way to bring peace to his country. His stress on finding a political solution for the crisis in Sri Lanka brings out his peaceful intention.

But until the LTTE surrenders, there cannot be much hope for peace in the country. Tamil Nadu, besides laying stress on protecting the Tamils in Sri Lanka, should appreciate the difficulties faced by Colombo in dealing with the LTTE. We hope the beautiful island nation will soon find its much deserved peace and joy.

Sumathi Chandrashekaran,

Chennai

Mr. Rajapaksa’s interview by Mr. Ram shows how proactive journalism can set the stage for evolving a meaningful political solution in Sri Lanka. The interview distinctly differentiates the Tamil question from terrorism. The four Ds approach can bring a lasting solution to the decades-old imbroglio in Sri Lanka.

K. Rajsekharan,

Thrissur

Addressing the humanitarian angle of the Tamil population in Sri Lanka without bailing out the terrorists is the right approach and a major section of Tamil Nadu’s political parties and the Centre should be commended for adopting it. Only such a statesmanlike approach will help to douse the flames of chauvinistic paranoia. The commitment by the Sri Lankan President to the international community through his interview with Mr. Ram cannot have come at a more appropriate juncture.

Kasim Sait,

Chennai

May I pay my tribute to The Hindu for a very important contribution to contemporary events — going beyond the best traditions of constructive journalism? I refer to the manner in which you have interpreted events relating to the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, with special emphasis on recent reports, articles and editorials. If Malini Parthasarathy’s article was brilliant, analytical and truthful, the manner in which The Hindu reported in low key the Coimbatore protest against this was admirable, without descending to sensationalism. Mr. Ram’s interviews with the Sri Lankan President and the related editorials constitute perhaps the most constructive contribution to a better understanding of the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka. The whole approach is balanced and level-headed giving due respect to the sentiments of the people and the politicians of Tamil Nadu, without compromising the newspaper’s independent views.

I appreciate this because I made a film on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka almost 20 years ago. Even as the IPKF had just landed in the island nation, I interacted with not only President Jayewardene and the LTTE supremo Prabakaran and his confidant Mahataya, but also with several Sri Lankan Tamil leaders who were committed to peace and democracy (most of whom have since been eliminated). Ironically, I titled my documentary as Paradise Regained in the hope that the conflict was nearly resolved. I am distressed that the title proved wrong. I pray for the day when Sri Lanka regains the status of a paradise.

Dr. S. Krishnaswamy,

Chennai

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