With the Sri Lankan Tamils issue disturbing the social and political fabric in Tamil Nadu for the last few months, every move made by the state and the central government are being closely watched. Having intervened in the Sri Lankan internal matters since the 80s, India has the moral responsibility to solve this sensitive issue, say critics. What is the Indian government response to this issue? What kind of political set up could bring peace in the troubled Island? Dennis S. Jesudasan interviews Dr. M. Mayilvaganan, Associate Fellow, Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, who is a expert working on the Indo - Sri Lankan relations since 2006.
In the picture: Dr.M. Mayilvaganan, Faculty, IDSA, New Delhi
Photo: IDSA, New Delhi
The fall of Kilinochhi was a clear sign of the end of the ethnic crisis in the Island. How do you read the incidents in the past five months?
The incidents unfolding in Sri Lanka for last few months suggest that LTTE's conventional military capability is nearing its end. On the other hand, it also shows the determination of the Rajapaksa government in winning the Tigers militarily before moving to a political process. However, I do not see the fall of Kilinochchi or Mullaitivu as the end of the ethnic crisis. Through military means you can bring normalcy but can not bring permanent peace. Permanent peace can be achieved only through power sharing.
Is it possible for the government forces to wipe LTTE off the Island?
No. Territorially the government could do that. But the Tigers will always be there mingling with the population and could wage guerilla warfare.
From where do financial supports come to the Tigers?
From the Tamil Diaspora, especially from Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and France.
In case LTTE loses its commander (V. Prabakaran), who will lead the organisation?
It could be. Pottu Amman or Charles Antony or Soosai in the order of priority.
What do you think are the strengths and the weakness of both the government forces and the LTTE?
The government’s strength lies in its superiority in air power, overwhelming support from the Sinhalese and political support from India. Its major weakness is the polarisation of communities in the Iisland. Regarding the LTTE, their strengths precipitate from the government’s mistakes. There is support from Tamils in Sri Lanka and the Diaspora. Lack of man power is its weakness.
What kind of government set up is a solution that "is acceptable to all communities"?
Federalism.
What is the Sri Lankan government's position on the XIII amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution?
No clear policy. But the government could go for it with some provisions removed so as to please India.
To what extent will the Sri Lankan Tamils’ issue impact the relations between India and Sri Lanka?
The Sri Lankan Tamils issue will affect the domestic constituency and may be put a little strain in the bilateral relations.
With a lot of support from Tamil Nadu for the Tamils in Sri Lanka, how does the Indian government handle this sensitive issue?
There is no clear policy in this issue. The government handles the Sri Lankan issue based on the situation and demand.
What are the major shifts in the Indian response to the Sri Lankan issue between the period before and after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination?
After Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, India wants to use a “play behind the scene” diplomacy. It is moving towards building state to state relations.
Most of the regional parties in Tamil Nadu and few of the national parties have made their stance clear on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. If the political equation in the country change (say the DMK's pulling out of UPA), will the Indian response to the Sri Lankan Tamils issue change too?
There could be a chance of the government making a slight change its policy.
With a multi lingual, multi religious and multi cultural society (both Indian case and otherwise), is it possible for the South Asian countries to work under a unitary structure? Is federal structure for governance with regional autonomy inferior to the unitary structure in the face of the foreign threats?
No, federal structure is not inferior to any other forms. The federal structure suits well for multi cultural and divided societies. It will help in solving many issues in the region.
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