‘Diaspora Tamils should be part of UN referendum on Eelam’

By Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran   03 Apr 2012

Posted 03-Apr-2012 Vol 3 Issue 13 The Tamil struggle in Sri Lanka for an independent and sovereign state has two dimensions. One is to create conditions for international recognition and full realization of the Tamils’ right to self-determination and the other to bring to light what happened in the final stages of the war in 2009. What happened then was nothing but an act of genocide. We want to ensure accountability and justice for the victims. We also hope that the international community will recognize that what happened in Sri Lanka was an act of genocide. This in turn will justify and lend support for our demand that only an independent state will ensure Tamils’ physical survival in our traditional homeland. The bombs that set fire to thousands of Tamil houses have not extinguished the undying passion for Eelam (Photo courtesy: warwithoutwitness.com) With respect to the first [self determination], the UN resolution in a setback for Tamils. The Resolution by talking about devolution of powers is attempting to reduce the status of Tamils, who have all the components of a “people” who are entitled to the right of self determination, into a “minority”. With respect to the second component [genocide], our position has always been that only an independent international investigation will bring justice. This is not just our position alone, but also the position of the UN Secretary General’s Panel of Experts and that of the international Civil Society.  Read More