British Tamils has called upon the government of UK to immediately request the new government of Sri Lanka to take steps to resolve the core issues that have burdened the Tamils of the island nation.
Issuing a statement, the British Tamils Forum (BTF) has pointed out that the defeat of the Rajapaksa regime has not resolved the immediate issues faced by the Tamil people since the election manifesto and policies of the new President have also indicated that his stance is the same as the Rajapaksas with concern to giving autonomy to the Tamil people, demilitarization and cooperation with the UNHRC international inquiry.
They have noted that these core issues can only be addressed through a political solution that recognizes the right to self determination of the Tamils and has added that the immediate existential problems of the Tamils regarding their daily lives can only be relieved by international pressure.
To that end, the BTF has urged the government of UK to immediately request the new government in Sri Lanka to:
- comply with the UNHRC resolutions
- removal of military establishments from the civilian population
- reverse all land grabs perpetrated by the Rajapaksa regime
- form an interim civilian governing structure in the North and East of Sri Lanka
We publish below the statement in full;
British Tamil Forum response to the election results and the new government in Sri Lanka
The presidential election in Sri Lanka has just concluded and the present government has lost the elections, but this will not still resolve the immediate issues faced by the Tamil people nor address the fundamental issue that has affected the Tamils in Sri Lanka for a very long time.
As stated by the newly sworn in president in his election manifesto, the policy towards giving autonomy to the Tamil people, de-militarisation of the Tamil areas and cooperation with the UNHRC’s international inquiry will remain the same. The fundamental issue that has fuelled this conflict for well over 60 years since the independence of Sri Lanka or Ceylon is the nature of the state, which needs to be structurally reformed.
Only a political solution recognising the right to self-determination of the Tamil nation in Sri Lanka can address these core issues. The immediate existential problems of Tamils with respect to their daily lives can only be relieved, and justice for the people who have suffered immense hardships can only be delivered, by international pressure.
As both sides’ campaigns during the presidential elections have highlighted, neither candidate has the appetite to offer respite or justice to the Tamil people. Both candidates have rejected the ongoing UN Human Rights Council mandated international investigation and both have refused to put a stop the continuing structural genocide of the Tamil people and reduce the influence of the Sri Lankan military on the daily civilian life of the Tamil people.
BTF urges the UK government to immediately request the new government in Sri Lanka to comply with the UNHRC resolutions, to request the removal of military establishments from the civilian population and to call on the new government to reverse all land grabs perpetrated by the previous regime and form an interim civilian governing structure in the North-East of Sri Lanka.
Rajash / January 11, 2015
Hello BTF….you are a joke
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Amarasiri / January 11, 2015
RE:Ask Maithri To Comply With UNHRC Resolutions: BTF Urges British Govt
This election was NOT aboout BTF or any other Forum.
It was about Democracy and Dictatorship
Law and Order and Accountability.
We know there are a lot of Tamil Mootals or Madus out there.
Do you have many of them?
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Shiva / January 11, 2015
BTF is demanding “accountability and Justice” as there is no law and order under the Sinhala majority rule since independence and the Tamils were oppressed and institutionally discriminated.
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Javi. / January 11, 2015
What is `Justice`?? What is Oppression?? Freedom from the Known??
What makes you think you are right???
Ethinic tic tic origin??
`Weretiger` ancient Hun Chinese superior to the rest of 41 ethnic’s Just like the mahanama mahawamse copy.
Ethinic Jaffna Tamil `Weretiger` – Hole in One Fatso Velu who died the coward of the country.
LKY Singapore `weretiger` could not help taking his main opposition Tamil to the cul de sac and let him have it with a hatchet (Jaya never woke from that shock) also know as Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic- ¬above all prosperous` but can never match Switzerland the detached attached detailer.
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Javi. / January 11, 2015
Do you have many of them?
they may know how to make a not so tasty Vaddai at their village.
But we got our Wada Baila.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhvpWGWvssQ
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Shiva / January 11, 2015
Are you a hate criminal or a war criminal?
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Rajash / January 11, 2015
Hello BTF….you are a joke…..
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Rd / January 11, 2015
[Edited out] yourself british Tamil forum.[Edited out] and live in the U.K. We in Sri Lanka will solve our issues. Do you seriously think that we are gonna listen to what the U.K government tells us. We voted for my3, he is the Sri Lankan president.
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Double standards / January 11, 2015
here comes the vultures… swoop!
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Javi. / January 11, 2015
BUNDY – But Unfortunately Not Dead Yet
Tamarind
Farts
BTF Always jumps the gun for a photo shoot –film me film me.
What a waste of blimey time- nick the prick.
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Eusense / January 11, 2015
Who is BTF? They should take MR to world court and punish him.
If stupid Cameron press this on Sirisena Sri Lanka will be back in the hands of China.
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Shiva / January 11, 2015
Srisena was part of the MR regime while genocide took place, White van abductions, rape and murders of thousands of women and children, disappearances of Journalists, dissidents and surrendered POWs. Hence, Srisena should know what was going on and who was doing all of it.
Now the Sinhalese have to decide whether to respect the Tamils will full rule of law, Justice, human rights, fundamental democratic values or Eelam in inevitable.
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Eusense / January 12, 2015
Shiva,
Now is the time for all these “genocide victims , White van abductions, rape and murders of thousands of women and children, disappearances of Journalists, dissidents and surrendered POWs” etc. to come forward and tell their real story. Sirisena will then decide what he should do. Sirisena is not the one who ordered any of those activities if they really happened. In reality Sirisena should appoint an independent panel to determine whether such things really happened.
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Javi. / January 11, 2015
minority american nuisance,
after the 2 subs your ever loving `weretiger` Win-Win Hun Chinese are in the arms of their European masters- US and Russia.
its the economy. All wars are about it but nothing else.
You are still the tool of your pseudo concept
`north hindia the mughal by DNA`- Akhand Bharat
NaMo in fear and disgust signed the 10 year repeat treaty 48 hrs later defence and rouble/rupee so China in a noose like a rat in the year of green female sheep.
Gass Gembo You had floods didnt you so how is the banana peel loin covers??
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Eusense / January 12, 2015
Go see a psychiatrist first.
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Javi. / January 13, 2015
Nonsence
Once again truth is the daughter of time not authority.
Go see Modern Psycho KKK Tea Party they love you minority gass gembo!
/
K.A Sumanasekera / January 11, 2015
Here we go……
Pay back time … .
PM Cameron in his Congratulatory Message to the President and the PM Sira and Ranil said he expected both, to comply with Ms Pillai’s UN Investigation as a matter of urgency.
The PM, Mr Ranil also has the added obligation to pay back the UNP London who helped the GFT to affiliate with the TNA to give Sira the winning edge, and the resources.
/
Gunaratnam / January 11, 2015
As a Jaffna Tamil, I ask the GTF and all the so called Tamil bodies trying to represent us globally to refrain from interfering on our behalf. You react from a state of bitterness and anger against a Sinhala regime. That era is over with this election.We the Tamil voters have elected a Sinhala President with hope that he can bring reconciliation. Give Maithree a chance to respond to all minorities and offer a level playing field for all communities. We DONT want a separate playing field but a common ground for all of us to work and thrive in this land with equal opportunity and in peace.Animosity and revenge should not have a place in this era.
Give MY3 a start not a finish.
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lenny / January 11, 2015
Well said Mr. Gunaratnam and I totally agree with you.
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Rajash / January 11, 2015
Senthil
You may be right but now there is anew Presisent in Sri Lanka. All the western countries and India have wished him well and have specifically requested for the new Prsisential to address the issues of the minorities.
UN is seeking the support of the new govt to help war crime investigation.MY3 won due to the minority votes. Hats off to TNA and the Muslim parties for openly
The perception of the diaspora back at home in Sri Lanka among the Sinhala people is that they all LTTE rump.
Have any of the diaspora organisation sent a congratulatory message to MY3 ?
No
Instead that are sending messages to David Cameron
Why can’t the diaspora organisation work with the new govt.
I understand things are not going to change overnight for the Tamils in Sri Lanaka.
But there is a sense of relief and the Tamils of Sri Lanka are aware that it’s just a beginning of a long road.
There diaspora organisations organisations should act responsibly
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Rajash / January 11, 2015
This is a post to Senthil”s. Comment below
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Shiva / January 11, 2015
Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) has sent a congratulatory message to the new President.
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Javi. / January 12, 2015
land of immigrants join the band for survival and the perks like Khalistan.
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Native Vedda / January 12, 2015
Rajash
“Why can’t the diaspora organisation work with the new govt.”
Give the stupid diaspora some time until they themselves see the
wisdom of their kith and kin living with communities.
“If we are to make progress, we must not repeat history but make new history. We must add to inheritance left by our ancestors.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
“We must be ever courteous and patient with those who do not see eye to eye with us. We must resolutely refuse to consider our opponents as enemies.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Then again Gandhi never met Champika, Weerawansa, Gota, MR, Dutta Gamini, VP, Pottu Amman, Nalin de Silva, …… and all other racists.
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justice / January 11, 2015
Gunaratnam,
You appear reluctant even to request release of tamil detainees under the PTA. Why?
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Lasanda / January 11, 2015
Sinhalise people are moaning the loss of our president rajapaksa.We do not want any celebrations. we do not want pope to come to Sri Lanka. Pls inform……
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Dr Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam / January 11, 2015
The separatists have been arguing that there has been “genocide” of Tamil people since 1948 or 1956, when the so-called “Sinhala Only Act” was introduced by the government of SWRD Bandaranaike. This narrative conveniently ignores the introduction of the Tamil Language Act in 1958, and the fact that there is now an official trlingual policy that was introduced, as far as I know, by the supposedly ‘genocidal’ Rajapakse government. Though much needs yet to be done, this promotion of trilingualism is likely to be continued and enhanced by the new government, if they have good sense.
When the Nazis committed genocide against the Jews, their program of genocide was enabled by discriminatory laws against Jews. What evidence is there of such laws in Sri Lanka? What rights do Sinhalese people have that are not shared by Tamils, especially now that the Tamil-speaking population has successfully elected both local and national representatives?
/
Anpu / January 11, 2015
Romesh,
“This narrative conveniently ignores the introduction of the Tamil Language Act in 1958, “
What does it mean in PRACTICE.
As far as I know , 13th Amendment is in the constitution….
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Native Vedda / January 12, 2015
Anpu
The act was all about medium of instruction and had nothing to do with Official Language. Sinhala only Official language policy was changed in 1987 after Hindians kicked JR where it really hurt him.
Dr Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam needs to be educated, bits and pieces he picks from Australian Sinhala/Buddhists is not sufficient to hold a decent discussion. Therefore please bear with him.
Tamil Language (Special Provisions) Act (No. 28 of 1958) – Sect 2
Tamil language as a medium of instruction. {Cap. 185.}
2.
(1) A Tamil pupil in a Government school or an Assisted school shall be entitled to be instructed through the medium of the Tamil language in accordance with such regulations under the Education Ordinance relating to the medium of instruction as are in force or may hereafter be brought into force.
(2) When the Sinhala language is made a medium of instruction in the University of Ceylon, the Tamil language shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Ceylon University Ordinance and of the Statutes, Acts and Regulations made thereunder, be made a medium of instruction in such University for students who, prior to their admission to such University, have been educated through the medium of the Tamil language.
/
Dr Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam / January 12, 2015
Native Vedda,
There was more than just section 2 of the Tamil Language Act:
2. Tamil language as a medium of instruction. {Cap. 185.}
3. Tamil language as a medium of examination for admission to the Public Service
4. Use of the Tamil language for correspondence
5. Use of the Tamil language for prescribed administrative purposes in the Northern and Eastern Provinces
I am not saying that there was language parity or that Tamil was the Official Language. I still think that many who have heard about the Sinhala Only Act have never heard of the Tamil Language Special Provisions Act of 1958 (including my Tamil mother). Though more can be done to promote the Tamil language in Sri Lanka, I don’t think there has been an attempt by the government to destroy the Tamil language or the Tamil people (genocide, in other words). Successive governments were determined to destroy armed rebellions whether by Sinhalese or Tamils, with great loss of life (and serious human rights abuses), but it wasn’t genocide, in my opinion.
/
Native Vedda / January 12, 2015
Dr Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam
Please do your own home work regarding language issue. Reasonable use of Tamil was dropped soon after it was agreed with Tamil leaders. Don’t forget JR’s padayatra to Kandy from Kelania, 1961 protest organised by monks.
We cannot spoon feed you the basic political history this island.
“I don’t think there has been an attempt by the government to destroy the Tamil language”
Again you need some extra coaching.
The 1974 Tamil conference incident occurred during the fourth World Tamil Research Conference, which was held in the city of Jaffna between January 3 and 9, 1974. Police action resulted in the loss of nine lives, the loss of civilian property and more than 50 civilians sustaining severe injuries.
http://pages.rediff.com/1974-tamil-conference-incident/1441434
Burning Memories – Jaffna Library- 31st May 1981
The library was once one of the largest in Asia and a source of enormous pride for the Tamil community.
But the building was torched in 1981, during riots following the shooting of three Sinhalese police at a Tamil political rally. As result, almost 100,000 books were destroyed, including irreplaceable manuscripts written on palm leaves. A treasure trove of Tamil culture and history was lost forever.
Almost 20 years later, the library was fully rebuilt by the government.
However the restoration itself is generating controversy. Many local Tamils feel it is an attempt to whitewash the past, and believe the ruins should have remained as a permanent memorial.
Burning Memories – Documented by Mr.Someetharan. This is only a part. For full CD contact him on someeth13@gmail.com.
Standardisation for University entrance.
I reluctantly advice you to do some research on Tamil issues before start typing here. Please keep your dignity intact and make sure you don’t degrade yourself by being an ignorant.
/
Off the Cuff / January 12, 2015
Dear Dr Romesh Senewiratne-Alagaratnam,
The original Language Act never saw the light of day in the North. What was implemented in the North was the Reasonable Use of Tamil Act
Mr Neville Jayaweera was handpicked by the PM, Ms Sirimavo Bandaranaike and appointed as the GA Jaffna to implement the Language Policy in Jaffna.
After taking office, he refused to implement the Language Act of 1956 and instead sought the approval of the PM to implement the yet ungazetted (though passed by Parliament), Reasonable use of Tamil Act.
Mr NJ also describes how his own high officials, the Tamil District Revenue Officers (DRO) and all 14 elected Tamil MP’s of Parliament filibustered the implementation of the Social Disabilities Act, which eventually emancipated the down trodden Tamil Polity (the Tamil Majority), by upholding their right to travel in public transport, equal seating in schools and entry to Hindu Temples etc.
All this and a lot more about Jaffna Society is detailed in his unpublished memoirs, a part of which was serialized in the Island
Newspaper.
This is the link to part 7 “The wretched of the earth”
http://www.island.lk/2008/11/16/features4.html
Google for the other parts they are available on the Internet.
Read the Privy Council judgement of the Kodakan Pillai case at
http://www.lawnet.lk/docs/case_law/nlr/common/html/NLR54V433.htm
Research the writings of Thanges Paramsothy, Ms Perle Thevanayagam, Mr Sebastian Rasalingam and Dr Thomas Johnpulle to glean an insight. Dr. Nagalingam Ethirweerasingham the Olympic and Asian Games Medalist and the first president of the Global Tamil Forum has also documented some aspects.
You will also get a good understanding by downloading and reading “Communal Politics Under The Donoughmore Constitution” by Dr Jane Russell from this link.
http://www.noolaham.net/project/37/3675/3675.pdf
Standardization of University Entrance was wrong when it was first introduced as it was Language based. It was not real affirmative action as it did not limit the advantage to the disadvantaged. This changed to District based standardization and it is this that is in operation now.
This is what Dr Johnpulle say
In 1973 university standardisation was introduced as a means of equitably distributing taxpayer funds across the country. It disadvantaged students from Colombo, Galle, Jaffna and Kandy of all ethnicities but was favourable to students from Batticaloa, Nuwara Eliya, Vanni, Monaragala and other less developed districts. The percentage of Tamils in universities hardly changed but the composition between Vellalar Jaffna Tamils and other Tamils changed. Jaffna Vellalar Tamils were furious over it.
This is the current standardisation scheme
Policy on University Admission UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION http://www.ugc.ac.lk/downloads/admissions/local_students/Admission%20to%20Undergraduate%20Courses%20of%20the%20Universities%20in%20Sri%20Lanka%202012_2013.pdf
3.2.3.2 Admission to all courses other than the courses stated in 3.2.3.1 above will be made on a dual criteria, namely:
All Island Merit
Merit on District basis
Under All Island Merit criteria:
(i) Up to 40% of the available places will be filled in order of Z – Scores ranked on an all island basis, as per Section 3.2.1 of the above.
Under District Merit Criteria:
(i) Up to 55% of the available places in each course of study will be allocated to the 25 administrative districts in proportion to the total population, that is, on the ratio of the population of the district concerned to the total population of the country.
(ii) A special allocation up to 5% of the available places in each course of study will be allocated to the under-mentioned 16 educationally disadvantaged districts in proportion to the population, that is, on the ratio of the population of each such district to the total population of the 16 districts;
1. Nuwara Eliya
2. Hambantota
3. Jaffna
4. Kilinochchi
5. Mannar
6. Mullaitivu
7. Vavuniya
8. Trincomalee
9. Batticaloa
10. Ampara
11. Puttalam
12. Anuradhapura
13. Polonnaruwa
14. Badulla
15. Monaragala
16. Ratnapura
The number of places allocated on the district merit quota given in (i) and (ii) above will be filled in order of Z – Scores ranked on the district basis, as per Section 3.2.1 of the above
You will note that students from the following minority districts have preferential entry to the Universities with LOWER MARKS than student from other districts. Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara and Puttalam.
But propagandists still unashamedly use these like a Beggar’s wound that never heals.
Kind Regards
OTC
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malaka / January 11, 2015
We never hear about the self genocide of the Tamils caused by the LTTE.. Since 1987’s through the IPKF, 1995 and 2009 the LTTE has alwyas used Human Shield as a tactic..Blood on the camera to gain sympathy and prevents it’s collapse.. Employed Suicide squads.. These self genoicde of the tamil, a Idea supported by Foreign LTTE Emigre, and Indian Tamils bodies who are responsible for these in human tactics today are calling for Justice.. A Joke its the Tamil Overseas community who sould condem these people.
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Javi. / January 11, 2015
“”We never hear about the self genocide of the Tamils””
Just like you- werewolf mahawamse.
No one passes judgement on the ones they love.
You cannot be wise and love.
Satkya Nata.
Sevura Hato!
/
Native Vedda / January 13, 2015
malaka
Here are the 8 stages of Genocide. Could you fit LTTE’s “self genocide” into any of the the states below and then see whether any of the Sri Lankan actions against the minorities fit into these stages:
By Gregory H. Stanton, President, Genocide Watch
Classification Symbolization Dehumanization Organization Polarization Preparation Extermination Denial
Genocide is a process that develops in eight stages that are predictable but not inexorable. At each stage, preventive measures can stop it. The process is not linear. Logically, later stages must be preceded by earlier stages. But all stages continue to operate throughout the process.
1. CLASSIFICATION: All cultures have categories to distinguish people into “us and them” by ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality: German and Jew, Hutu and Tutsi. Bipolar societies that lack mixed categories, such as Rwanda and Burundi, are the most likely to have genocide. The main preventive measure at this early stage is to develop universalistic institutions that transcend ethnic or racial divisions, that actively promote tolerance and understanding, and that promote classifications that transcend the divisions. The Catholic church could have played this role in Rwanda, had it not been riven by the same ethnic cleavages as Rwandan society. Promotion of a common language in countries like Tanzania has also promoted transcendent national identity. This search for common ground is vital to early prevention of genocide.
2. SYMBOLIZATION: We give names or other symbols to the classifications. We name people “Jews” or “Gypsies”, or distinguish them by colors or dress; and apply the symbols to members of groups. Classification and symbolization are universally human and do not necessarily result in genocide unless they lead to the next stage, dehumanization. When combined with hatred, symbols may be forced upon unwilling members of pariah groups: the yellow star for Jews under Nazi rule, the blue scarf for people from the Eastern Zone in Khmer Rouge Cambodia. To combat symbolization, hate symbols can be legally forbidden (swastikas) as can hate speech. Group marking like gang clothing or tribal scarring can be outlawed, as well. The problem is that legal limitations will fail if unsupported by popular cultural enforcement. Though Hutu and Tutsi were forbidden words in Burundi until the 1980’s, code-words replaced them. If widely supported, however, denial of symbolization can be powerful, as it was in Bulgaria, where the government refused to supply enough yellow badges and at least eighty percent of Jews did not wear them, depriving the yellow star of its significance as a Nazi symbol for Jews.
3. DEHUMANIZATION: One group denies the humanity of the other group. Members of it are equated with animals, vermin, insects or diseases. Dehumanization overcomes the normal human revulsion against murder. At this stage, hate propaganda in print and on hate radios is used to vilify the victim group. In combating this dehumanization, incitement to genocide should not be confused with protected speech. Genocidal societies lack constitutional protection for countervailing speech, and should be treated differently than democracies. Local and international leaders should condemn the use of hate speech and make it culturally unacceptable. Leaders who incite genocide should be banned from international travel and have their foreign finances frozen. Hate radio stations should be shut down, and hate propaganda banned. Hate crimes and atrocities should be promptly punished.
4. ORGANIZATION: Genocide is always organized, usually by the state, often using militias to provide deniability of state responsibility (the Janjaweed in Darfur.) Sometimes organization is informal (Hindu mobs led by local RSS militants) or decentralized (terrorist groups.) Special army units or militias are often trained and armed. Plans are made for genocidal killings. To combat this stage, membership in these militias should be outlawed. Their leaders should be denied visas for foreign travel. The U.N. should impose arms embargoes on governments and citizens of countries involved in genocidal massacres, and create commissions to investigate violations, as was done in post-genocide Rwanda.
5. POLARIZATION: Extremists drive the groups apart. Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda. Laws may forbid intermarriage or social interaction. Extremist terrorism targets moderates, intimidating and silencing the center. Moderates from the perpetrators’ own group are most able to stop genocide, so are the first to be arrested and killed. Prevention may mean security protection for moderate leaders or assistance to human rights groups. Assets of extremists may be seized, and visas for international travel denied to them. Coups d’état by extremists should be opposed by international sanctions.
6. PREPARATION: Victims are identified and separated out because of their ethnic or religious identity. Death lists are drawn up. Members of victim groups are forced to wear identifying symbols. Their property is expropriated. They are often segregated into ghettoes, deported into concentration camps, or confined to a famine-struck region and starved. At this stage, a Genocide Emergency must be declared. If the political will of the great powers, regional alliances, or the U.N. Security Council can be mobilized, armed international intervention should be prepared, or heavy assistance provided to the victim group to prepare for its self-defense. Otherwise, at least humanitarian assistance should be organized by the U.N. and private relief groups for the inevitable tide of refugees to come.
7. EXTERMINATION begins, and quickly becomes the mass killing legally called “genocide.” It is “extermination” to the killers because they do not believe their victims to be fully human. When it is sponsored by the state, the armed forces often work with militias to do the killing. Sometimes the genocide results in revenge killings by groups against each other, creating the downward whirlpool-like cycle of bilateral genocide (as in Burundi). At this stage, only rapid and overwhelming armed intervention can stop genocide. Real safe areas or refugee escape corridors should be established with heavily armed international protection. (An unsafe “safe” area is worse than none at all.) The U.N. Standing High Readiness Brigade, EU Rapid Response Force, or regional forces — should be authorized to act by the U.N. Security Council if the genocide is small. For larger interventions, a multilateral force authorized by the U.N. should intervene. If the U.N. is paralyzed, regional alliances must act. It is time to recognize that the international responsibility to protect transcends the narrow interests of individual nation states. If strong nations will not provide troops to intervene directly, they should provide the airlift, equipment, and financial means necessary for regional states to intervene.
8. DENIAL is the eighth stage that always follows a genocide. It is among the surest indicators of further genocidal massacres. The perpetrators of genocide dig up the mass graves, burn the bodies, try to cover up the evidence and intimidate the witnesses. They deny that they committed any crimes, and often blame what happened on the victims. They block investigations of the crimes, and continue to govern until driven from power by force, when they flee into exile. There they remain with impunity, like Pol Pot or Idi Amin, unless they are captured and a tribunal is established to try them. The response to denial is punishment by an international tribunal or national courts. There the evidence can be heard, and the perpetrators punished. Tribunals like the Yugoslav or Rwanda Tribunals, or an international tribunal to try the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, or an International Criminal Court may not deter the worst genocidal killers. But with the political will to arrest and prosecute them, some may be brought to justice.
http://www.genocidewatch.org/aboutgenocide/8stagesofgenocide.html
By the way Many Soldiers were killed by LTTE and JVP. Similarly many Sinhala people were killed JVP and LTTE. Many members of JVP were by Armed forces.
Now tell us which of the above actions constitute genocide.
If you can’t work it out just forget it.
/
Shiva / January 11, 2015
There is no point in having great laws but the entire Sinhala Buddhist state machinery was against the Tamils, denial of rule of law, justice, no accountability, impunity to war crimes and crimes against humanity and denial of allowing an independent international investigation all that pointing a malicious, murderous Sinhala state and its forces against the Tamils; Eelam is the best solution to put an end to crimes against humanity and both nations can focus on their nations and prosper.
/
Saif / January 11, 2015
Hey Buddies, I’m a Sri Lankan and a Muslim. We – Sinhalses, Tamils, Muslims -all suffered a lot in the hands of the racists but of course the Tamils suffered the most. But beating the dead horse would’t bring any good to any one.
Let’s give a break to the new President and the Government to make the Sri Lankans live a decent life with human dignity and honour, and ensure the freedom to practice our individual way of life.
/
lenny / January 11, 2015
Whilst I will not argue that most of your points are valid, and should be done, you (BTF) have no right to demand anything, unless you and your kith, kin & Kaboodle come down, get you Sri Lankan citizenship & join us in the daily fight. Otherwise whatever you say, is just pure drivel.
/
Senthil / January 11, 2015
Well done BTF. But there is a fact we have to understand, there is a strong reason for Mithiri not to deviate from MR policy regarding Tamil’s issues before election, because he couldn’t have got many Sinhala votes and MR could have used that to stay in power. As I mention regularly , politics is like chess game, some moves look like wrong but those moves are vital to win the game. He have to tackle and educate country side Singhalese very carefully, they are not educated or shroud to understand MR type tricks. It is very wrong to ask explanation from politicians for every move, only the end results is important. Hope British government will find a solution for their ancestors past (deliberate or accidental) mistake by handing over Tamils in Lion’s hand.
/
Senthil / January 11, 2015
Gunaratnam,
We all understand your point. Without diaspora Tamil’s support, by this time there wouldn’t be any Tamil in North this time (used to feed grass). Our request to the west saving Tamils in the North form extinction. I do not know, you are a Tamil or Singhalese but my reply is assuming you are an over 50 Tamil. How many years you have negotiated with Sinhala governments to resolve Tamils issue for you to try safely hiding in the west – Please think what contribution you have made up to now to blame BTF, GTF etc. Very sorry if I have written any thing wrong.
/
Lanka Liar / January 11, 2015
Yes you have written everything wrong
To negotiate you need skills. Leave the TNA who are well versed in the ground situation and political realities to negotiate or rather represent the Tamils. BTF representatives performance in Algezeera forum was itself was pathetic. If this type of person negotiate who will take them seriously.
To blame the GTF BTF you dont have to contribute anything?
All he is asking is not to do another experiment and destroy the livelihoods of Tamils in Sri Lanka. It is easy to be in Britain and give a rotten statement. Let TNA think and act for the Tamil people BTF assist TNA please.
/
Lasanda / January 11, 2015
Who says sinhalise people have accepted sirisena as president and smelly Chandika and Pakyasothi Regime???? Not in this life time!!!!
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Shiva / January 11, 2015
MR and Gota played all their tricks including rigging, coup to remain in power and kicked out by the overwhelmingly vote by the Tamils (Muslims are Tamils). These alleged criminals along with others must stand trial in Sri Lanka rather than at the ICC for genocide, war crimes, rape and murders of Journalists, dissidents, surrendered POWs, students, and politicians as Sri Lanka has capital punishment and ICC (European nations) not. Gota cannot go back to the US as there will be investigation as well and end up in the jail.
The Tamil Diaspora is progressing well in many nations and the failed Sinhala leaders due to their chauvinistic policies messed up a beautiful nation into bleeding one and destroyed its vibrant nature. It is time for a real reconciliation or break up as Eelam and Sri Lanka like it was prior to the Western colonialism.
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Lanka Liar / January 11, 2015
Kumar Kumarendran who appeared on behalf of BTF in Algezera was not up to the mark. He was as usual out of point and couldn’t articulate the positions of the Tamils. It is pity that BTF could not find a better person to represent them. If you cant represent yourself properly you have no right to speak on behalf of the Tamils.
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Shiva / January 11, 2015
MR and Gota played all their tricks including votes rigging, legal manipulation, armed forces coup to remain in power and kicked out by the overwhelmingly vote by the Tamils (Muslims are Tamils). These alleged criminals along with others must stand trial in Sri Lanka rather than at the ICC for genocide, war crimes, rape and murders of Journalists, dissidents, surrendered POWs, students, and politicians as Sri Lanka has capital punishment and ICC (European nations) not. Gota cannot go back to the US as there will be investigation as well and end up in the jail.
The Tamil Diaspora is progressing well in many nations and the failed Sinhala leaders due to their chauvinistic policies messed up a beautiful nation into bleeding one and destroyed its vibrant nature. It is time for a real reconciliation or break up as Eelam and Sri Lanka like it was prior to the Western colonialism.
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Senthil / January 11, 2015
I accept that Kumar was not suitable to appear on TV, hope BTF will not replete the same mistake – even I was confused that day. First of all we all have to accept that you or me can not even go closer to any British prime minister which Suren is doing through politics. LTTE was wiped out because they were very weak in world politics, they did not take proper move in Chess game. You know after the war Jews became powerful because of diaspora (American) Jews, do not underestimate BTF, every sensible Tamil is behind them to make them more and more powerful.
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Rajash / January 12, 2015
Senthil
It’s not just the Al Jazeera performance this sort of performance had happened over and over again..
Did you know what David Cameron said after meeting with CM Wignesawaran?
He said said something along the line that hew had spoke to many Tamil representatives but this is the first time I had a lucid conversation about the
There are so many intellectual and articulate Tamils amongst the diaspora. Why are these people not joining BTF, GtF and Organisation of Non Resident Sri Lankan Tamils etc etc ?
Why do we see over and over again the same morons who cannot articulate or think on their feet appearing on international media?
Have you seen Sampanthan, Sumanthiran etc debating in the Sri Lankan parliament
Sampanthan is one of the well respected politician in he world, he doesn’t need diaspora organisations to introduce him to David Cameron or Barrack Obabama or Narendra Modi.They have direct access to them in their own capacity.
You say LTTE was wiped out because they were weak in world politics. But who advised on the LTTE , the very same diaspora organisations!!!!
You say diaspora organisations have access to the British PM etc. But the diaspora organisations were not able to stop the genocide of the Tamils in May2009. The diaspora organisations put every single western capital all over the world under siege , they were not able to achieve anything.
Leave it to the capable and elected Tamil politicians back at home to deal wig the new govt.
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Javi. / January 12, 2015
“you or me can not even go closer to any British prime minister which Suren is doing through politics.”
You mean the south african kallathoni supply of Desmond Do do.??
History was made by Colombo boy Wiggie when Cameron (near distant relative of Queen) evaded even the Lankan miltary which refused the American during the Tsunami entered you village Jaffna.
It’s not what you know but whom you know that matters in politics which runs in all nations.
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Rajash / January 12, 2015
…lucid discussion about the Tanmil issue…
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Good Tamil / January 12, 2015
As a minority living in this country, we must be concerned as to how to be Sri Lankans along with the rest of other communities while preserving our cultural identity. We have demonstrated this in our voting in the recently concluded Presidential elections. BTF fellows are earning their pounds sterling and strictly are not a part of the Sri Lankan entity though they may be former Sri Lankans. We, in Sri Lanka, faced the music from both ends, the sepoys of government forces as well as that of the Tigers while BTF fellows managed to flee the country.
There cannot be another July 1983 in this country through whipping up feelings done irresponsibly. The call for war crimes investigations now, internationally will do just that. (By the way don’t misunderstand me as a coward.) With the change of President, through our votes and he having promised good governance, why not we commence our own serious investigations in Sri Lanka? Those who have solid evidence please come forward. If Sri Lanka could prosecute and convict the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy murderers and convict, why not the rest?
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Aardvark / January 13, 2015
How about asking the British government to get the UN to carry out an investigation into war crimes committed by the United States and Britain during the Afghan and Iraqi invasions?
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Sylvia Haik / January 13, 2015
The BTF is a bunch of self appointed sycophants who have nothing to do with the Tamils living in Britain, and certainly do not speak for them. Sri Lanka has her dignity and cannot capitulate to the whims of UNHCR engineered to distract the world view of the blatant Human Rights violations by the West. I accept there may have been War Crimes committed that needs looking into, but must be applied to the whole conflict, not just the final months. If the Terms of Reference for the UNHCR investigations is revised, I am all for co-operating with them.
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vis8 / January 13, 2015
Here come the “demands” MY3, do you have the spine that MR has? Don’t think so. After you, it will the world’s first gay (ponna) Prime Minister who will give his back to appease the separatists………
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