Karuna should also surrender the Arms

By Malin Abeyatunge

(March 18, Melbourne, Sri Lanka Guardian) It is admiring on the part of the terrorists turned democrat S. Chandrakanthan aka Pillayan of TMVP who became the Chief Minister of Eastern Province who made a brave decision of handing over the weapons their party was carrying for self defence. This move is also an indication that they have confidence with the law enforcement authorities for their future security. It’s therefore duty of our security forces to see that protection is extended to them at all times without fear or favour.

We also should Congratulate Muralidharan Vinayagamoorthy aka Karuna for becoming Non-cabinet Minister for National Integration and Reconciliation. He achieved this status within a short spell of becoming a national list MP (Velupillai Prabhakran must fuming with anger with this appointment). However, the government cannot allow any MP or a Minister to be protected by their own security personnel or armed gangs in a democratic country. The protection of every citizen of the country is the supreme responsibility of the ruling government, her security and law enforcement authorities. It is therefore necessary that Karuna also follow the footsteps taken by Pillayan and hand over the weapons that his party supporters allege to carry.

Both these one time terrorists have embraced democracy and its victory of President’s diplomacy.

-Sri Lanka Guardian