NPC Election And The Future Of Lankan Tamil Politics
By Mr. Concerned -June 2, 2013 |
This year promises to be a decisive one for Lankan Tamils. Events that take place this year will considerably determine the future trajectory of Tamil politics. It is only a beginning where the end of the LTTE’s totalitarianism gives the Tamils opportunity to evaluate their nationalist politics that has brought only tragedy so far. Failure to do this would have tragic consequences.
TNA
The concluded UNHRC sessions and the proposed CHOGM make up the list of key international fixtures. Efforts of the TGTE – like the formation of Tamil Eelam Freedom Charter – and other such diaspora groups will provide much entertainment, all to no avail. Apart from these events, the continuing struggle between Tamil Nadu and the Indian Central Government will also be of significance for India’s need to wake up from her long slumber in trying to wish away an explosive situation on her doorstep.
However, local political (and economic) developments are what matter most. The climax, no doubt, will be the promised Northern Provincial Council election to be held in September (or August, according to the Elections Commissioner).
Despite the fact that Provincial Councils, in their present form, are powerless[1] organs and of little consequence in determining the national political discourse, Tamils simply cannot afford to lose come this September. There are three prime reasons for this. First, to lose in a free and fair election would, foremost, delegitimise everything Tamils have fought for in the past thirty years, and effectively spell doom for the Tamil cause[2]. Second, it will legitimise the regime’s post-war dynastic project, consolidate Rajapaksa power, and significantly undermine internal democratic resistance against the incumbent regime. Third, calls for justice and accountability from human rights defenders, too, will – at least partly – be rendered meaningless. Therefore, the election is of immense importance for both Tamils and, indeed, for all Sri Lankans who desire justice and democracy. A Tamil – and thereby, a TNA – victory is an utmost necessity.
Connected to the NPC election are several matters that demand careful analysis.
Militarisation and Sinhalese Colonisation
