That suspicious branch of olive!

The latest invitation by the LTTE for a Ceasefire Agreement with the Government is looked at with much scepticism, and quite justifiably so. B. Nadesan, the constable turned Police Chief of the LTTE, who also heads the organisation’s political wing since the demise of S.P Thamilselvan, is reported to have told Tamilnet last week, “there is no hesitation on our side to reiterate our position that we have always wanted a ceasefire.”

The Government immediately rejected the offer with senior ministers reiterating that the LTTE would have to lay down arms and surrender, in order to consider the offer by the organisation.

A desire for a Ceasefire when things heat up militarily, is nothing new for the LTTE which has survived many close encounters of annihilation in the past 30 years, by using this method. It is justified therefore that any Government would look upon such ‘olive branches’ with a significant amount of scepticism. On numerous occasions, which are well documented, the LTTE has used a respite in fighting to come back a stronger outfit to fight another day, or phase of the Eelam War.

The offer for a Ceasefire by the LTTE seems directed at its supporters in Tamil Nadu rather than at the Government in Colombo. On previous occasions, whenever the LTTE was serious about a cessation of hostilities, for whatever reason, they channelled such proposals through the Norwegian facilitators or some other formal channel. This time around however, Tiger Political Wing Leader Nadesan chose Tamilnet to express his organisation’s desire for a Ceasefire. Having lost the sympathy of the international community, the LTTE knows full well that the only force that can now stop the military onslaught is India.

The numerous protest campaigns launched by various groups in Tamil Nadu ranging from actors to politicians do not seem to have had the desired effects. Even though there is greater consensus regarding the injustice done to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, there seems to be dwindling hope that the LTTE can be considered a partner in gaining those rights for the Tamil people. Even those who on earlier occasions joined the bandwagon whenever the LTTE offered a Ceasefire, seem quiet these days, presumably in the knowledge that the organisation, with its chequered history, cannot be trusted as a partner to peace.

The Government has to be cautious of international sentiment and concerns regarding its current military campaign. At a time when the LTTE is offering a Ceasefire, the Government should not seem too eager to reject the offer, however superficial it may be. After all, at least in theory, the Government accepts that the final solution to this conflict lies in a political process.