Sri Lanka conflict: No respite in sight

Earlier, both government and the Tamil militants were under intense pressure from the international community for eschewing the path of confrontation and respond to the peace efforts, but unfortunately the warring sides by and large remained stuck to their known positions. Powerful donor and mediators, coming out with harsh measures to mount pressure on both sides to heed the calls for reconciliation, are now slightly disappointed as although the two sides established contacts as a corollary ro these international pressures, but no headway could be made on the resumption of formal talks. Consequently, half-hearted efforts continue by those who are brokering the delicate task of peace.

The Sri Lanka scene has nosedived to an extent that hostilities of serious nature have flared up between the Tamil militants and government troops leading many to believe that the tenuous truce has virtually broken down and the nation is reverting to civil war. This was least expected because the resumption of the dialogue in Geneva in February after a long gap and assiduously made ground work had gone off quite well in the given difficult conditions resulting in a diserable change for the better towards settlement of the complex problem. The next round of talks was scheduled in April 24, but this could not take place much to the dismay of those who want to see lessening of the trouble. But the sharp worsening in Tamil militants-Sri Lanka govt relations led to the postponement of the dialogue, which now hangs in the balance. In fact, prospects of fresh dialogue appear dim.

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Definitely, govt-rebels ties are now almost at lowest ebb. The gravity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that several major incidents have taken place in the recent days highlighted by the air strikes on rebel strongholds in the north-east of the country and from the militants side ,daring attempt on the life of the chief of country's army by a woman suicider that left ten troops killed, many injured including the army chief himself. But later another senior army General could not escape death in attack. All these mark toughening of stance by both parties witnessed only before a ceasefire was agreed upon in 2002.Even as president Mahinda Rajapakse and the Tamil rebel supremo Villupai Prabakharan are speaking about the need for peace, both make no secrets that the policy and attitude of the "other side" may force full fledged war. This stance is unhelpful for peace efforts.

The rebels are honouring their much-talked about "suicide bombers" that has introduced a new element in international violence or in the quest for "achieving objectives" by different groups. The cult of this form in advancing causes began in Sri Lanka 19 years ago when a rebel called "Captain Miller" drove a truck packed with explosives into an army camp killing 42 soldiers and injuring many. So far more than 260 men and women gave up their lives in staging such tactics. Their victims included former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan president Ranasinghe Premadasa. "Honouring" the suicide bombers with much publicity clearly sends a message from the militants to the government and obviously this is of tougher line.

As things stand now, the truce remains in the papers only. Some international observers blamed more the government for the violations. Mediators are alarmed at this development, but have not abandoned their efforts They are clearly dismayed and trying to contain the sharp slide. Two sides need to demonstrate patience and realism since the crisis warrants restraint, more for the reason that no side can decisively win the conflict as proved before. At least the ceasefire must be observed by both sides should they want progress in the decades long civil war. But what is being witnessed is the tendency on part of both to escalate hostilities. This will lead nowhere as this is a war which is unlikely to be won in foreseeable future by either side. Sadly, this is not dawning on the parties involved while they talk about peace broadly for lip service. Sri Lanka's worsening tangle can still be salvaged if wisdom and sagacity are shown. No more playing to the gallery as often evidenced by comments of key figures of both sides is also needed.

In Nepal, another South Asian nation, a lingering complex political situation has changed for better to a certain extent as a sort of stability has returned to the country. Now, the democratic government and the Maoists are talking contentious issues showing progress marked by willingness on both sides to resolve their serious differences. Why the warring parties in Sri Lanka are not coming out with same spirit and approach while it is all the more expected from a nation which can rightly boast about its education and maturity in this region for manifold achievements in socio-economic fields?

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury is a senior journalist