Following shell attacks by security forces targeting LTTE controlled areas, 35,000 families comprising 127,000 persons have been displaced in the eastern province. There are reports that the Batticola district secretariat is unable to handle the problem of providing basic facilities to the displaced people, who are in such large numbers.

There are also reports that since a large number of them are from Paduwankarai area, the civil administration has come to a halt. The reports that these people, particularly pregnant women and children are suffering due to the shell attacks and that some of the children have lost their hearing, are disturbing. The reports further state that a number of houses have been destroyed due to the shell attacks.

Meanwhile, the Tamil National Alliance has appealed to the government to put an end to the military agenda of the government and to restore normalcy in the area. They have also appealed to the international community to exert pressure on the government to stop the shell attacks. They met the British high commissioner in Sri Lanka and personally forwarded an appeal.

The report the Muslims, Muslim organizations, mosques and Ulamas are helping the displaced people by providing essential food provisions is rather encouraging. This can go a long way in strengthening the cordiality between the Tamil and the Muslim communities in the east.

It must be pointed out that shell attacks in highly populated areas can cause tragedies. The victims are only the innocent people. This is the reality today.

All sections of the society must exert pressure on the government to stop shell attacks.

We point out in all humility that it would be a humanitarian act.

An English translation of the Editorial in Virakesari,a Tamil daily based in Colombo

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed