A solution to the Sri Lankan ethnic issue can emerge only if the LTTE surrenders. Agitations and protests in Tamil Nadu will not stem the Sri Lankan military offensive. The political parties in the State should realise this and refrain from whipping up the passions of the youth. They should make efforts to persuade the LTTE to lay down arms. The DMK's stand on the issue is truly heartening.
L. Marinstine Fernando,
Hartford, Connecticut
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It is time the LTTE realised that its name has become synonymous with terrorism and suicide bombing, and that it no longer evokes sympathy from even those whose cause it supposedly champions. One hopes the Tigers will pave the way for a solution to the ethnic conflict to emerge through democratic means before it becomes irrelevant.
Vembar K. Ranganathan, New York
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This refers to the editorial "A historic trial" and the article "The moment of truth for the LTTE" (Feb. 5). One should view the LTTE's activities keeping in mind Thomas Lubanga Dyilo - charges against whom includes conscription of children under 15 - who is now standing trial in the International Criminal Court. In my view, the LTTE's top brass should also be tried in The Hague. No one has the right to take away the right of children to enjoy their childhood.
Y.V.V.J. Rajasekhar, New Delhi
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Colonel R. Hariharan has done well to expose the LTTE's true nature. It is a murderous and treacherous organisation which has killed all other leaders fighting for the cause of the Sri Lankan Tamils. Its leader V. Prabakaran has eliminated his own second line of leadership because of his suspicious nature. He may be a good military strategist but the welfare of the Tamils seems to be the last thing on his mind. How else can one explain his act of holding civilians by force as a human shield?
B.G. Baliga, Thrissur
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The LTTE is on the run with no logistic support and a void in its leadership. Such a situation is inevitable for any terrorist organisation which believes in the annihilation of its opponents. The LTTE never demonstrated the political will to work for a solution to the ethnic issue. For their part, chauvinistic Sri Lankan politicians too played a major role in bolstering the LTTE's ideology. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi proved to be the last nail in its coffin. It is time Colombo declared a ceasefire enabling a safe passage for the Sri Lankan Tamils caught in the crossfire. New Delhi must use the good offices of all pro-LTTE elements to bring it to the negotiating table.
Bichu Muttathara, Pune
Courtesy: Hindu.com