Sri Lanka must pursue genuine nation building: Dr Subramaniam Swamy

(October, 07, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The LTTE can never be part of the solution; they will always be a problem to it India’s radical politician and one of the brilliant minds of the subcontinent, Dr Subramanian Swamy spoke his mind clearly on Sri Lanka’s terrorism nightmare in an exclusive interview with Sri Lanka Guardian. There was a time Dr Subramanian Swamy thought the LTTE were genuine in the cause for the Tamils but with the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, the Indian tide dramatically changed and their sheer terrorist cause became apparent. Evidently LTTE has its own agenda which is not in the interests of the Tamils; certainly not in that of Sri Lanka and the South Asian region. We spoke to Dr. Subramanian Swamy and he freely shared his view with us.

By: Nilantha Ilangamuwa with Dr. Subramanian Swamy

Sri Lanka Guardian: The United States is likely to share its most advanced Global Hawk spy technology by including Sri Lanka and several other Asian countries in the users’ consortium at a conference being planned for next year to boost security in the Asia–Pacific region, How about your feelings on this situation?

Dr Swamy: We in India share the US concern over the perniciousness of terrorism, and hence any partnership with US is the need of the hour. Of course, it cannot be a junior partnership.

Sri Lanka Guardian: During his visit to India you have agreed with Bimal Ratnayake (member of the Marxist JVP and Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka) that the concept of Eelam is no longer valid. But the LTTE Naval Wing leader Col. Soosai says that the only solution to the Tamil question is the establishment of Tamil Eelam. So the LTTE will never lay down their weapons without establishing Tamil Eelam. Could you explain to us the practicality and realities of this seeming impasse?

A must for Sri Lanka: We have to recognize that sharing of power between distinct linguistic groups is essential for nation building.

Dr Swamy: I have advocated that the LTTE is a part of the Sri Lankan problem, and can never be a part of the solution. Besides being committed to militarily wiping out the LTTE, we have to recognize that sharing of power between distinct linguistic groups is essential for nation building. I congratulate the JVP for courageously showing this commitment by initiating legislation to give full citizenship to Tamils in India’s refugee camps. We have to aim at creating a harmonious relation of Tamils with Sinhalese to make Eelam as undesirable and irrelevant. This can happen by first recognizing that both linguistic communities are of the same blood by rejecting the bogus British Imperialist theory of Aryan and Dravidians.

Sri Lanka Guardian: One of top level Minister of the ruling government has predicted that the LTTE will make a Unilateral Declaration of Independence on January 18. Do you think the LTTE have a good foundation for declaring UDI? Will that accomplish anything? If they do, will they do anything military to underscore the UDI?

The LTTE is a mad terrorist organization

Dr Swamy: The LTTE is a mad terrorist organization, so why talk of their non-existent rationality. If they do declare UDI, they will accelerate their doom since no one in the world will recognize Eelam

Sri Lanka Guardian: Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) became a separate country via a UDI in the early 80’s. Even the British government accepted their independence. How is the LTTE situation different? Would any country recognize Eelam if UDI is declared? Do you think the LTTE dreaming mythical solutions?

Dr Swamy: Well that was different because it was a White Man’s minority government in a Black majority country. The White world recognized it, but ultimately the Black majority inherited it. In Sri Lanka, Tamils want only a separate province. Eelam call will have takers only in sheer desperation that they cannot live in harmony. We in India, after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination has decided that it is not our interest to support Eelam ever.

Sri Lanka Guardian: Any strong feelings or advice to the government or the LTTE on current political developments in Sri Lanka?

LTTE should get out before they are thrown out
Government of Sri Lanka – Don’t go back on the promised devolution

Dr Swamy: Nothing to LTTE except to say: “get out before you are thrown out”; to the Government of Sri Lanka I say: “don’t go back on what you promised on devolution”

Sri Lanka Guardian: The Sri Lankan government seems to think that they can defeat the LTTE militarily. The Economist in a recent piece said that defeating the LTTE in the North is just not possible. What do you say and why?

Dr Swamy: Of course LTTE can be defeated militarily. But that by itself will not solve the problem of alienation of Tamils. If Tamils cannot share power with the Sinhalese, then even if the LTTE is defeated militarily, new Tamil organizations will sprout up. We in India will then help such an organization, provided it is democratic and non-violent.

Sri Lanka Guardian: Are you satisfied with the government of Sri Lanka’s policies on the implementation of strategies on Terrorism? International Security? Regional Cooperation?

Dr Swamy: I am happy at the new resolve to fight the LTTE and kick out busybodies like the Norwegians. But top priority is your commitment to implement devolution measures. India’s Constitution is also Unitary, but there are subsidiary federal principles that satisfy regional aspirations. That is the balance that you too should seek.

Sri Lanka Guardian: You have pointed out in your latest book on Sri Lanka that the Sinhalese must re-think on this country’s problem after stepping back a little. Could you explain to us what you see as the mind of the Sinhalese on this problem in Sri Lanka? What is wrong to require rethinking? Also how can we include Tamils and Tamil speaking people in Sri Lanka in the polity?

Dr Swamy: The denial of citizenship to Tamils despite they being born there, marks standardization, falsely claiming to being racially and culturally different, etc., show either a camouflaged inferiority complex or a complete misunderstanding of the principles of nation building. Tamils will be satisfied if you can provide a state assembly in Tamil majority areas, and recognize that they are equal Lankans.

Sri Lanka Guardian: Could you explain to us the responsibilities of the anti-LTTE Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka including the unregistered party of the former LTTE leader’s TMVP?

Tamils need to form a genuine Democratic Non-Violent Front

Dr Swamy: Tamils need to form a genuine Democratic Non-Violent Front to challenge the hegemony on Tamil identity claimed by the LTTE. They must confront the LTTE, and bond with Sinhala dominated parties in elections.

Sri Lanka Guardian: Can India find a sustainable solution for the problem in Sri Lanka? What can India do to help? Indeed, will India engage in Sri Lankan issues again?

Dr Swamy: If a Parliamentary Resolution is passed in Sri Lanka guaranteeing proper devolution for Tamils, I favour India, US and Israel going all out to hunt for the LTTE. Without that resolution no government of India will engage in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Guardian: What are the Central Government of India’s and the Tamil Nadu State Government’s stances and responsibilities in this problem?

Pro LTTE Tamilnadu parties have no voice in Delhi

Dr Swamy: Don’t worry about Tamil Nadu. The pro-LTTE parties in TN have no voice in Delhi. They are just fooling the LTTE by making some noises and then collecting their narcotics tainted cash.

Sri Lanka Guardian: Please comment on President Mahinda Rajapkasa’s style and effectiveness in governance, and particularly the effect of a military strategy on Tamil civilians and human rights.

Dr. Swamy: I am very unhappy that he has gone back on the assurances he gave to India on devolution.