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In India, whether one is a Kannada, Hindi or Tamil, ‘at the end of the day’, they are all Indians and do air their concerns together, on issues related to foreign affairs, trade or defence. Such is the level of patriotism towards one’s nation – something which is quite difficult to find in Sri Lanka. In the issue of the Sri Lankan conflict, it is fascinating to learn that, in India, both the ruling party and the opposition party stand together in raising their concerns and at the same time criticising those responsible for it – again a quality that is hardly found among both the ruling and the opposition party in Sri Lanka.

Particularly in Sri Lanka, it has been the practice to oppose when one proposes The Nation had a rare opportunity to meet with two high ranking officials of both the Indian ruling multiparty National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and the opposition party – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to discuss the current conflict in the north and the protest called for by Tamil Nadu, in response to it.

Both Seshadri Chari of the BJP and Dr. Ravni Thakur from the ruling party expressed similar views. The officials were invited to participate in a one-day landmark seminar on ‘Sri Lanka-India Relations: Vision 2025’, organised by the newly established Sri Lanka-India Pragathi Sansadaya together with the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) on October 22

Seshadri Chari, a seasoned journalist and currently executive committee member of India’s opposition party, Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP) led by Shri Lal Krishna Advani, is a strong advocator of peace. He is strongly of the view that no group or organisation that claims to represent the genuine interests of a particular community should resort to arms struggle. He says that, going by the history of the conflict in Sri Lanka, the LTTE’s claim to speak for the Tamils is unacceptable, as it lacks genuineness and democratic legitimacy. In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Chari, who was the Editor of the English weekly ‘Organiser’ for 12 years, reiterated that, the LTTE should remain banned. He also said, if his party comes to power, following the forthcoming elections, his party would also canvass for the disarming of all armed groups in his country and elsewhere. “While the current military action is timely and justified, there can be no permanent solution through the use of force,” he said. He also expressed deep concern over the immeasurable agony and needless suffering of the Tamil population in the areas of conflict in Sri Lanka. Chari hails from Tamil Nadu. He is an expert on international trade and a well-known political commentator in India.

Following are excerpts:

Q: What is the view of the BJP, the main opposition party in India, on the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka?
A: India and Sri Lanka share a long history of cordial relationship and have close cultural and economic ties. A peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka is to the advantage of India, and we wish to contribute towards peace and economic progress in Sri Lanka. But, we are not in favor of interfering in the internal matters of Sri Lanka. Terrorism is a problem common to both our countries and we support action against terrorism. The current military action against the LTTE, declared as a terrorist outfit by many countries including India, appears to be the inevitable consequence of the destructive and divisive policies of the LTTE. Terrorism needs to be dealt with firmly. But, at the same time, the legitimate aspirations of all sections of people should be respected.

Q: Do you think that the LTTE represents the interest of the Tamil population in Sri Lanka? How far is the LTTE justified in their fight for the rights of the Tamil population?
A: No organization, which seeks to justify its violent actions as a means to an end, can be said to be truly representing a peace loving people. The Tamils of Sri Lanka have long been the inhabitants of the island and are, culturally and historically, part and parcel of its milieu. It is true that, they have certain grievances, real and perceived, against the political system and the authorities, which they were resolving through various groups. The disunity among the Tamil leadership contributed to the escalation of the disenchantment among the Tamil youth. This situation was fully exploited by the LTTE by catapulting itself as the sole representative of the Tamils and declaring armed struggle as the only and last alternative, a position unacceptable in a democracy. They have also been accused of systematically eliminating the moderate leadership among the Tamil groups. So, going by the history of the conflict, the LTTE’s claim to speak for the Tamils is not acceptable, as it lacks genuineness and democratic legitimacy.

Q: If the BJP comes to power, will it continue with the ban on the LTTE?
A: The question is not about the ban on the LTTE. As long as it refuses to eschew violence and looks to terror as the only path of action, the LTTE should remain banned. But, the larger issue is to find an early political solution to the issue, within the broad framework of a united Sri Lanka. While the current military action is timely and justified, there can be no permanent solution through the use of force. Further steps to institute a political solution should be intensified. Further democratization would lead to the isolation of the LTTE. Already, there is a strong opinion that decades of violence has not resulted in any tangible benefit to the Tamil population. The strengthening of the political process would not only expose the failures of the LTTE but also, reduce overseas funding from pro-Tamil elements, and may even divert such funding to the civilian and economic sectors. The present government has demonstrated its democratic credentials very satisfactorily in the Southern province. There is a greater possibility of a peaceful solution this time. This opportunity should not be wasted.

Q: Does the BJP justify the demands made by the Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu? The general perception here in Sri Lanka is that they are playing to the gallery. What is your party’s observation?
A: By referring to demands by the DMK, if you mean showing leniency to the LTTE, well, one has to disagree. Sri Lanka is free to take strong steps to curb terrorism. There is an opinion, that the stand taken by the DMK could possibly have more to do with their political calculations, vis-à-vis the forthcoming general elections in India early next year. But, as far as I know, many political parties in Tamil Nadu and also, some all India parties have expressed concern over the immeasurable agony and needless suffering of the Tamil population in the areas of conflict. Importantly, political parties in Tamil Nadu have made a distinction between the human rights of the civilians and the action against the LTTE. The displacement of the Tamil population could have severe consequences in areas with close proximity to the conflict and also in Tamil Nadu in India, which could be faced with the influx of displaced persons. Going by media reports, the Sri Lankan government seems to be aware of this problem and is handling the situation in the best possible manner in the given situation.

Q: Last week, the LTTE made a request to the government of India to forget the past and help the movement, by pressuring the Sri Lankan government to stop military action. What do you think would be India’s response?
A: Well, I am not aware of any official confirmation of this. I don’t think India is in a position to entertain any request from the LTTE. There were media reports that the leader of the political wing of the LTTE, in an interview, had tried to impress upon the government of India to persuade the Sri Lanka government to cease military action. In my opinion, military action against the LTTE is the prerogative of the Sri Lankan government and no country should interfere in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka.

Q: Why is it that India has not pushed successive Sri Lankan governments for the effective implementation of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord?
A: Whatever was within the ambit of the accord for India to do, we have done. No accord can be implemented by force or coercion. There is a good amount of goodwill and understanding between both our governments. The recent initiatives of the Sri Lankan government, under the dynamic leadership of your President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has accelerated the peace process and renewed hopes of finding a political solution. The assurances to the Tamil population will have a soothing effect and should be implemented in all earnestness.

Q: What is the extent of the pressure of Tamil Nadu politics on the UPA government?
A: Coalition governments have become the order of the day in India. The central government cannot ignore the demands of the coalition partners. But there are issues of international implications and serious ramifications, which no government would like to take lightly. All political parties act with sufficient responsibility and flexibility in their approach, keeping in view the larger interest of the country. As the situation emerges, I do not see any contradiction in the stand taken by the political parties in India, on the fight against terrorism, on the one hand and the human rights issues of the Tamil population in the areas of conflict in Sri Lanka.

Q: It seems that India was not in favour of the de-merger of the North and East in Sri Lanka. Do you see this as a point of discord between the two countries?
A: The issue of merger is covered under the 13th Amendment. I am told that the de-merger is in keeping with the judgment of the Supreme Court. There are reports that the new experiment might actually strengthen the political initiative and end the politics of isolation of communities. Anyway, one has to wait and see what results are forthcoming. Any move that reassures the people of the genuineness of the approach towards the problem, should be a welcome step.

Q: In the ’80s, India’s reaction was very quick (like sending IPKF etc.). But, this time, the response seems to be slow in coming. Why?
A: Slow? No. Cautious? Yes. I don’t think our government is slow in its response. We appreciate the information and assurances on the civilian front, given to us by the Sri Lankan government. One must realise that, the Government of India has to take decisions, after taking into consideration various aspects of the issues involved. The exchange of views and visits by representatives from both sides is based on the long standing friendship between us. India sincerely wishes that, this problem is solved amicably, and we are able to go ahead with more meaningful and mutually beneficial bilateral engagement.

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