TNA Manifesto: A Historic Document To Fulfill The Political Aspirations Of The Eelam Tamils
Dr. Paul Newman
The whole of last week Tamils around the world were concerned on two important outcomes that would have a bearing on their future directly or indirectly. The two issues were the outcome of the visit of Dr.Navi Pillai, the UN Human Rights Commissioner and the release of the TNA’s Northern Provincial Election Manifesto. Today there is a lot to cheer about, both the outcomes have been extremely positive and complement each other to a great extent.
A manifesto of a political party is to outline the ‘Vision of the party towards its electorate’. In this context the two most important stakeholders are the “Tamils of the North’ and the TNA. I see a lot of positives in this document. To outline a few I would pick.
- The assertion of the Right to Self Determination
- Demand for an Independent International Inquiry
- Rejection of the 13th amendment as the final solution
- Keeping the whole document ‘Tamil Centric’ and not ‘Colombo Centric’, the TNA has got it politically right in quelling all doubts that they work as tools for Colombo, New Delhi, Washington etc
- Remembering and recognizing the problems faced by the war widows. By doing this the TNA has touched the emotional and social chord of the Tamils
- Welcome the Muslims to join the Tamils in rebuilding the North and building bridges with the Muslims.
- Demanding an Independent International Independent Inquiry into War Crimes by Sri Lanka and the LTTE
In recognizing the fact that people with fresh wounds of the war voted overwhelmingly for the TNA in 2010, this manifesto has answered two important concerns of the Tamils world over including Tamilnadu. They are:
- TNA is not dancing to the times of India (Rejection of the 13th amendment as the final solution)
- TNA will not bow down to the pressure tactics of Colombo and not surrender the dignity of the Tamils
The manifesto is extremely elaborate in stating the historical struggle of Tamils there by reiterating and refreshing the memories of the people that this is a struggle for Justice. At this juncture the TNA is carrying on its Dharma to seek justice to those who are voiceless and suffered since 1948 not just physically but mentally too. Other important salient feature of this manifesto includes.
At the time of independence from colonial rule in 1948, Ceylon was foisted with a unitary type constitution with simple majoritarian rule. This proves that historically the Tamils have been wronged and had no say in state formation. It becomes important that Great Britain recognize this fact as it was their historic folly and act accordingly at least in the future at International forums.
