28 March, 2024

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(T)Reason For Army To Step In Or Time For An Ochlocracy?

By Muhammed Fazl

Muhammed Fazl

Muhammed Fazl

“One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson, Seventh President of the United States.

Betrayal of a country, its people divided and debauched, destituteness and despotism, desperation dawning from denial of justice…. we have seen it all, and all along! Rules and laws have been changed, broken, absent or made defunct. Promises have been made and broken by the very same rulers, and to whom we have sworn our oath of allegiance.

In a country where GDP is confused with the standard of living and where crimes against humanity is not even a subject of discussions no more, let alone a concern, what worse could befall the afflicted and the wronged? And how long would it last the ‘endurance testing’ of the suffering?

Pawns in the game of politics

Privileged thinkers, writers, rights activists and politicians may have a lot of answers and opinions in finding solutions for the current predicament this country is in. While obsessions with political powers and the accumulation of illegal wealth have no bounds, cloud it does as well the judgments of concerned legislators and stakeholders when it is the time to serve the disenfranchised.

Army Bykes colombotelegraphChasing politicians when in search of justice is akin to chasing mirages. Yet, the monopoly to bring about changes to the lives of millions seems to be the domain of a selected political few. Erratic may have been his actions and words lately, but President Rajapaksa’s (MR) conduct should not be taken for a weakness. Breaking all rules when at the height of power, opposition parties should expect the worst when the ‘M Dynasty’ (‘blood relation’ of the Chinese kind) is actually threatened!

While the ‘Apex kind’ seems to be the last to fall in a long list of ‘Political Dominoes’, sections of the population seems to be having nightmares since Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) of JVP made a speech a couple of weeks ago. Warning of a bloodshed should MR decides to contest a 3rd term presidency, could AKD’s speech be a veiled threat of another JVP insurrection in the making? When growing up as a kid and believing quite foolishly that spots on leopards can be removed permanently when ‘skinned’ (even when alive), I guess I have also been naïve In expecting a ‘different pattern’ from its ‘offspring’.

Budget for ballots and for non-existent battles

Increased expenditure among the defense kind would have been alright if in times of war, but when allocating huge sums when a despotic kind is at the helm of power and in peace times, it does create an unholy alliance. A resultant environment of fear psychosis would make it a side effect as well. While current monetary/budgetary proposals could lead the country in to bankruptcy eventually, the reality of the poor getting poorer does not seems to be understood by the voting majority at present or even at times of elections.

Elections and Electability

The much awaited ‘considerations’ of the Supreme Court with regards to the MR’s 3rd term presidency seems to be a ‘foregone conclusion’. The ability of few crossed-over Members of Parliament in making changes to the Constitution (sans a referendum) in a country of over 20 million does not indicate a vibrant democracy either. Looking back at failures in tackling government corruption, abuse of power, breakdown of law and order and the erosion of independence of the judiciary among others, I believe opposition political parties should take brunt of the blame for the current state of affairs in the country.

The role of the opposition parties should not be evident only in times of elections. Had it been run by selfless, patriotic and honest individuals, considering the enormity of the MR government’s crimes and corruption levels, this country would have seen regular protests, public disturbances, court cases, mob justice in dealing with corrupt state/government officials etc. Contrary it may be to an orderly and a law abiding state, in this context, I believe resorting to civil disobedience can be considered a lesser evil.

Whilst members of political parties are busy finding probable candidates to contest elections, the plight of the down trodden and the less fortunate seems to be deteriorating with every moment passing. And their suffering SHOULD NOT be acceptable or tolerated under any government or leader. The buck needs to stop here, and stop now.

Dead end or light at the end of the tunnel?

It is how one chooses to see it. Much older and wiser, I sense the uncertainties surrounding the lives of twenty plus million and that of their unborn, I hear about tens of thousands unjustly being perished inhumanely and for no fault of theirs, and I certainly feel it when generations are deprived of a decent quality of life. With hardly any opportunities visible in the horizon, I see the youth and their dependent families at cross roads and not knowing which directions to take in life. Philosophies and teachings of major religions being distorted and used as political tools, and the resultant erosion of spiritual and human values had been of no consolation either.

Democracy, the political system and their proponents have all been a failure in the modern history of Sri Lanka. Believing that cries of the anguished and the vanquished have fallen on the ears of the righteous and the patriotic kind by now, I wonder what could be the tipping point for the ‘Defenders of the Nation’ to take matters in to their own hands.

It is indeed a pleasant sight when ‘men of honor’ and ‘patriots’ are hard at work in agricultural fields, construction sites, in rescue efforts in disaster struck areas etc. By being present and intervening militarily at places where regular protests or clashes take place, the powers and importance of the Police Department seems to have been made somewhat insignificant as well. Could these developments be a precursor to heralding a new chapter in the history of Sri Lanka?

While I agree with George Clemenceau, the famous French statesman when he said “War is too serious a matter to entrust to military men”, I also believe there exists a breed of ‘Officers and Gentlemen’ within their ranks and who could be entrusted with maintaining the peace and bringing about a sense of justice and accountability in the country they serve.

While treason can be defined as a violation of allegiance to a country and the betrayal of trust, I wonder what else could be more blatant than crimes committed by the MR regime. The silence of the ‘Defenders of the Nation’ as a result of the ‘soul being sold to the devil’ or due to a case of ‘feigning ignorance’, makes me really wonder if bravery at war will ever cross paths with honour and righteousness!

Facing a decisive stage in the history of Sri Lanka, the suffering of the victimized cannot go on nor allow the rights of masses to be at the mercy of a few. A marriage of convenience where previous charges across the seas (if any) could be negotiated to be dropped In exchange for giving evidence against the Notorious G and for establishing the rule of law. While the ‘honeymoon’ period should not exceed 6 months, during which time a Constitutional Council comprising of eminent academics and honest personalities from the judiciary should be formed, letting the unceremoniously evicted ex-CJ chair the Council would be my idea of a fresh start. And also within the interim period, the separation of state and government needs to be strictly enforced and the constitution re-written to suit the chimes. Many heads may roll in the process, but it would create a conducive environment for free and fair elections for which dates of elections can be announced immediately afterwards.

Wishful thinking or worst case scenario; should prominent men in uniforms who are enslaved by wealth and positions of influence think otherwise, streets will be the abode of the daring while anarchy just might be the order of the day.

Whilst power of the people is indeed much stronger than people in power, let us not divide two powerful forces in the lines of, as Mr. George Bush Junior once said,  “EITHER YOU ARE WITH US, OR WITH THEM”…

*The writer is an independent social/political activist and can be contacted on muhammedfazl@msn.com and through FB (Fazl Muhammed Nizar).

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Latest comments

  • 7
    19

    I thought Fazi is talking about his poor Muslim brothers and sisters in West Bank, Gaza, Libya, Iraq, and Syria, until I saw the word Rajapaksa.

    Wonder where he got that bit about thousands perishing when there was not even one suicide bomb or even a Johnny mine since Nanthikadal.

    May be Fazi took refuge in Saudi Arabia as an infant.

    Young Officers in the Armed forces might just do what Fazi says .,

    But it will be to protect themselves and their families and loved ones who went though three decades of hell and lost thousands of lives.

    And it is most likely to come if the Opposition Alliance gets carried away after the Election either as Winners or Losers..

    And here are the reasons.

    JVP has not once, but twice. killed Police and threatened to kill Army Soldiers and their wives , Kids and parent.

    TNA was the Political Wing of the LTTE and most of their MPs are ex Terrorists or members of Terrorist outfits.And they are totally backed by the Diaspora.

    And last but not least , the current Leader of the UNP, TNA, Diaspora Alliance organized the elimination of the whole Army Intelligence Unit by the LTTE assassins.

    They were shot not in Prabakaran’s LTTE Territory but in the heart of Sinhala Buddhist South , while they were sleeping in a supposed to be a Safe House..

    And it is worthy to remind Fazi, the majority of those brave Army Intelligence Officers who PERISHED were Muslims and there were over forty of them…

    • 10
      6

      Thanks Fazl,… please accept my apologies on behalf of Sumanasekara who happened to be sharing my genes.
      Sumane says –> Fazl should be talking about West Bank. Pl remember Fazl is Lankan first, for him Lanka and its people should be more important than West BAnk or Iraq.
      Suicide Bombs -> Just murdering suspected suicide bombers won’t stop future suicide bombers. Sumanae’s foolish words could create new ones. I started converting to one:-(.
      JVP –> killed people, terrorize people, true. But does it give license to kill to a democratic government..Noooo.. Same goes with LTTE
      TNA was the Political Wing -> Sumane forgot to mention that UN, UNHRC are under LTTE payroll too.. Isn’t British PM, British/Aus/Canada Labour politicians belong to LTTE political wing as well.. Isn’t ICRC terrorists supporting LTTE? How about Scandinavian (Norway) peace negotiators

    • 9
      5

      Quite right. I too thought Fazi malli is talking about Pakistan.

    • 0
      6

      Sumane, [Edited out]

      • 0
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        This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/

    • 4
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      Muhammed Fazl

      “could AKD’s speech be a veiled threat of another JVP insurrection in the making?”

      Just after 1990 JVP encouraged its ardent supporters to join the armed forces. I am told many enlisted. After more two decades those JVP cadres could be serving the armed forces in considerably influential positions.

      Now you know as to why AKD and JVP are maintaining a deafening silence on the question of war crime investigation. AKD does not want to upset his men in the armed forces, obviously he needs their goodwill.

      Those JVP men in the armed forces could have found their way into middle class or even upper class, enjoying all the trappings of power and wealth, recognition of patriotic brave warriors who defeated Demelas. Do they want to fight for AKD’s causes?

    • 2
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      K.A Sumanasekera

      Are you aware of a team from Hindian security establishment’s visit to this island for the purpose of inspecting their Sinha(la) Regiment?

      I believe they have already completed inspection of their other regiments earlier which included, Punjab Regiment, Madras Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry, Rajput Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Assam Regiment, Bihar Regiment, Naga Regiment, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, ….., …. etc.

      Did they discuss the phased introduction of Hindi as the official language of their Sinha(la) Regiment? They are worried about the Sinha(la) Regiment’s ability to effectively communicate with other regiments which is an important requirement through out their armed forces. Please help the Hindian’s to maintain their inter-operability capabilities.

      • 1
        1

        Dear Native,

        Hindians must be inspecting the Tamil Nadu Regiment more closely than ever, now that the ex CM and shadow CM have become converts to Vaiko Tiger Movement.

        Of course it is not official..

        I will be worried about Hindians checking our Sinha Regiment,

        Your mates both in the country and outside have have done enough damage to the reputation of our Armed Forces.by floating false accusations.

        Even your CM from the North, as late as last week got stuck in to our Regiments, accusing them for his inability to help the Dalits.

        And the CM demanded the Hindians to remove the Army from the North.

        Our mate Karuna Amman says Hindian Peace Keepers from the IPKF raped hundreds of women in Batti, where he was in charge..

        Is your plan to add more baggage to our Armed Forces?..

        • 1
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          K.A Sumanasekera

          “I will be worried about Hindians checking our Sinha Regiment,”

          Hindians came to inspect another of their regiment which is stationed in my ancestral land with 300,000 war criminals. Sinha(la) regiment is no different to Hindia’s other regiments.

          Sinha(la) regiment will be part of Hindia’s Rapid Deployment Force. When Hindia is seriously challenged by its neighbors (China/Pakistan) Sinha(la) regiment would be deployed on its borders to fight real wars of course for the first time.

          They will be protecting their own ancestral land, Bihar, Bengal, Orrisa, …. where your myth pool began. Don’t you think it is their religious duty to protect their ancestral homeland in North India?

          If Fonseka sit tight he might even get to command a platoon in Arunachal Pradesh. He doesn’t have to face the Chinese army, as he can be part of deserting soldiers from other Indian regiments. No court martial. Hindia doesn’t mind losing another 100,000 square miles to China.

          Gota is more suitable for the job of an army undertaker burying collateral damages under the ground like in Kashmir, Matale, and other places. Hindian army has bonus scheme to encourage soldiers to work hard, more innocent people killed more bonuses paid, a fixed piece rate scheme for each body buried.

  • 12
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    Hey Sumanasekeram, when I saw this the title of the article I saw one comment. I was telling myself, this got to be from that buffoon Sumanasekeram, I couldn’t be more right. I come here to see our ever wonderful racist prick Sumanasekeram has taken a minute out of his busy schedule and written some garbage. Sumana………Sumana….you never fail to disappoint me.

    • 3
      2

      ….and Sumano and his avatars/alters (both – male and female versions) never fails to entertain us too 24/7.

      I feel sad soon I have to drop my favorite pet name ‘Tsunami Hora’ since Mara is going to be doomed, dumped and humiliated.

      • 1
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        Tsunami Hora

        “….and Sumano and his avatars/alters (both – male and female versions) never fails to entertain us too 24/7.”

        Are you grateful to him/her/it?

    • 3
      3

      I have come to the conclusion that as long as we have paranoic idiots like Sumanasekere, we’ll never live long enough to enjoy the peace dividend we have awaited. The Army checkpoints in the South appear decreased but seriously increased in the North. Except in the minds of Sumanaseker ilk, there’s no evidence the LTTE’s support in the North had increased that much that it had attracted additional security expenditure and additional Army personnel. Sumanasekere appear scared of the dark and I’m sure he believes there are gonubillas around every corner waiting to attack him.

  • 5
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    In some countries like Pakistan, Egypt and Thailand, the military kind of “overseas” the Parliament.

    That culture does not exist in Ceylon thankfully. Its organic people centered changes that works there.

  • 10
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    fazl, are you done with trying to correct other religions?

    yet another piece of garbage that doesn’t make any sense.

    • 5
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      Hi Gnanasaara

      • 2
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        what a joker

        • 2
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          Nishantha De Silva

          “what a joker”

          What was the joke?

          Hope the joke was on you.

          • 3
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            stupid vedda, get lost pls

            • 2
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              Nishantha De Silva

              “stupid vedda, get lost pls”

              If I refused, could you arrange my disappearance.

              • 2
                1

                with pleasure…

                • 1
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                  Nishantha De Silva

                  “with pleasure….”

                  When I go I will take you with me, of course with pleasure.

                  I am not going therefore you can calm down now.

                  Lets discuss about your relocation to your mother country in the North/South India from my ancestral land.

                  When is it convenient for you to go?

                  • 1
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                    stupid vedda, white van ride will be a waste for a scum like you…therefore, we’ll arrange lorry accident for a piece of garbage like you

                    • 2
                      0

                      Ha! Ha! Now we know how the Supporters of this Government are encouraged to get rid of Dissenters!!!!

                    • 1
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                      Nishantha De Silva

                      “therefore, we’ll arrange lorry accident for a piece of garbage like you”

                      Make sure there aren’t any other lorry in front, both sides and at the back of your karratha.

  • 2
    4

    ”Wonder where he got that bit about thousands perishing when there was not even one suicide bomb or even a Johnny mine since Nanthikadal”:

    ”But that truth cannot excuse human rights violations that currently afflict the nation as a whole; or for that matter obscure the looming threat of the cultural and political colonisation of the north by the Sinhala Buddhist majority” – Biased and Prejudiced Collection on Sri Lanka, *G. Obeyesekere, Economic & Political Weekly, VOL 47 No. 04, 28 January-03 February 2012 (*Emeritus Prof of Anthropology, Princeton University)

  • 2
    5

    ”Wonder where he got that bit about thousands perishing when there was not even one suicide bomb or even a Johnny mine since Nanthikadal”:

    ”Army personnel to civilians in the North is nearly 1:5. which is higher than peak-time activity of the US in Iraq, the UK in Northern Ireland, French in Algeria, Russians in Chechenya and Indians in Jammu and Kashmir ” – Notes on the Military Presence in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, 14 July 2012, vol xlviI no 28, http://www.epw.in/system/files/pdf/2012_47/28/Notes_on_the_Military_Presence_in_Sri_Lankas_Northern_Province.pdf

    • 8
      1

      CT – now how the hell Davidson Panabokke is allowed to post links and i’m unable to?

      is this your standard?

      at least be man enough to provide a clarification

  • 0
    4

    “In some countries like Pakistan, Egypt and Thailand, the military kind of “overseas” the Parliament.”

    A police state is not a state where the police has taken over the state but when Politicians have taken over the police.
    Give this a thought in the context of Sri Lanka.

    You should realize where the country stands.

  • 7
    7

    mad fool has come up with another article….having a pen in your hand may not make you a writer, but thanks for making us laugh

  • 4
    6

    Idiot Nishantha,

    With Sri Lanka infested by the illiterate and the brain-dead of your kind, she does not need the expertise of Mara to pervert the political and social life.

    Did you even read the article before you wrote your garbage about “trying to correct other religions”?

  • 5
    4

    ISIS talk.

    Tamils love Thalaivar for getting rid of them.

  • 2
    2

    Ochlocracy is Democracy. More aptly Sri Lankans are cursed with kleptocracy. They have a choice to get rid of the cancerous Ruling family the next time they vote.

  • 1
    1

    Ochlocracy? Think again, Thamby. These days, Gota’s goons are in fatigues, wearing tight underwear, frothing from the mouth and stroking their T56’s with itchy hands. WE have got to think of smarter options to outwit these rabid bastards.

  • 2
    0

    I do not think AKD will be foolish enough to go on the path his predecessors took. The JVP were twice decimated along with thousands of political opponents and innocents.

    The army is more numerous today, more organised, more ruthless, better equipped and utterly pliant towards the Rajapaksa oligarchy. Where an equally ruthless, better equipped and more dedicated LTTE failed, another JVP armed uprising is surely bound to fail.

    As far as I can see there is no real deliverance to the suffering masses. There is an air of inevitability everywhere. Basically we are doomed and have no option but to put up with another term of MaRa misrule. Realistically what are the other options – can we expect the backboneless RW to rise from his long term self imposed slumber.

  • 3
    3

    Muhammad Fazi has written something by American President Andrew Jackson and, there after he uses the whole article to make Andrew JAckson was wrong.

    IF I understand correct. Fazi Muhammad is confused. Because, IF Andrew Jackson was correct, what Mahinda Rajapakse Rajapakse doing is exactly the same politics and nothing different.

    I agree with K. A. Sumanasekara too. first part of the article fits very well Saudi arabia and Muslim Terrorists like ISIS like groups. They follow Sharia law and treat people like animals.

  • 1
    2

    Dear Jim,

    In a country where no one dares to challenge the incumbent president, I was hoping for a brave and a true patriotic from the military kind to rise up to the occasion, and of course for the rest of ’em(including the civilians)to follow. The much needed change can originate from a civilian ‘Braveheart’ as well, and for the military to embrace it afterwards.

    Hence,the usage of President Jackson’s quote…

    • 2
      2

      Mr.Fazl Muhanned

      In other words , you are hoping for an ‘ Arab Spring ‘ in Sri Lanka .The people of this country have witnessed enough violence and bloodshed . Sorry to disappoint you and those of your ilk , but it won’t happen here anytime soon .So please look elsewhere if you are looking for entertainment .

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