Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Political Survival And Security Of India Depends On Revoking 13th Amendment – OpEd
By Shenali Waduge-October 15, 2012
India’s fragile federal status predicts a possible eventual breakup of India similar to that of the Soviet Union. This spells a national security concern for both India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s armed forces eliminated the initial possibility securing Sri Lanka’s security and that of India. Why should India want to commit hara-kiri by continuing to encourage the eelaam slogan bypassing the possible dangers thinking it can handle worst case scenario of annexing Sri Lanka? Realizing the dangers of India’s entire Southern stretch falling into external hands if not protected, India must first protect its turf before exploring annexing endeavors. As for President Rajapakse it is in his interest to revoke the 13th amendment for the majority block vote will back him so long as he protects Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and unitary status. That is a powerful backing – one that President should not turn his back upon.Why Does India Want 13a And Devolution?
India – Sri Lanka Relations
India forced Sri Lanka to sign the Indo-Lanka Accord. Sri Lanka was made to amend its constitution and introduce an Indian-style Provincial Council system and merge the North and east provinces to create an ethnic-based minority rule that would help India’s later objectives. With all these major changes already introduced what is all this nonsense about implementing the 13a – it is already implemented. So what is India not telling us?
Is it only India’s interest in Sri Lanka’s Tamils that makes India seeks assurance to “implement” the 13th amendment and devolution? Why would a powerful Central Government wish to take pains to appease Tamil Nadu – just another state of India? From the manner Tamil Nadu politicians are influenced is it not a dangerous scenario. No one expects State Governments to dictate to the Central Government and we certainly don’t take too kindly to being caught in between this tussle.
Have we failed to convey to India the dangers of separatism in Sri Lanka or does India want to have Sri Lanka separate ignoring that the plan is to actually separate India – Sri Lanka is just a pebble to test the water!
Sri Lanka did not ask for Provincial Council system – it was India that decided. Prabakaran had to consent because he was in India and was apprehensive of his future had he not given his consent. 13a was discarded by Prabakaran and therefore there should be no reason why Tamils should favor Provincial councils or the 13a.
