The confrontation between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE has resulted in an atmosphere of a full scale war. 61 innocent children have died following an air strike by the Sri Lankan war planes on “Sencholai illam “, an orphanage run by the LTTE in Mullaitivu.

It is important to note that these orphan-children had already lost their parents in previous attacks by Sri Lankan security forces.

It is a grave offence and violation of the code of war to commit violence on children during a war. We like to point out there is no truth or basis for the Sri Lankan government to allege that it was an LTTE training camp that they bombed. In fact we point out that the UNICEF officials and the SLMM officials who visited the scene have confirmed that it was an orphanage that had been bombarded by the Sri Lankan government.

This merciless and cruel attack on children has shocked the people of Tamil Nadu. Dr.Karunanithy, Tamil Nadu chief minister has proclaimed in the Tamil Nadu state assembly that they must put an end to the violence committed by the Sri Lankan government.

Viduthalai Sruthaikal has demanded that the central government must take military action against the Sri Lankan government to ensure safety and the security of the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Pattaly Makal Katchie has demanded that the central government must exert pressure on the Sri Lankan government to stop its violence in the North-East. The Indian communist party has stated that both parties must honour the Ceasefire Agreement and that the Central Government should not let the Sri Lankan government and the Sri Lankan army to believe that India would extend its support to Sri Lanka.

People in the North –East are internally displaced because of the army violence in the North and east and are compelled into refugee camps out of necessity. Koffi Annan ,General secretary of the United Nations has appealed to both parties to stop the violence and return to negotiating table.

The Indian Central Government should not forget the fact that if there is a escalation of violence in the North-East due to the excesses of the security forces, there can be serious repercussions in Tamil Nadu . It is true that the Indian government cannot involve in the Sri Lankan problem directly as it had done in the past. But nevertheless it can no more be silent, as a passive observer.

We reiterate that there can be permanent peace only if steps are taken for Tamils to live with equal rights while recognizing sovereignty of Sri Lanka. Both the Sri Lankan government and LTTE must realize that there can be no success through retaliatory tactics and that it is the ordinary people who suffer because of violence.

Both parties must engage in cessation of hostilities and opt for talks with open mind.

An English translation of the Editorial in Thina Mani, a Tamil daily,based in Tamil Nadu

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