Real development defined

Wednesday, 5 December 2012 23:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

With the Army agreeing to withdraw from the Jaffna University, the tension is ebbing slightly, but graver questions of sustainable peace and implementation of law are emerging from this unfortunate incident.

According to media reports, clashes had erupted between university students and the Army when they had attempted to hold a march to remember those slain during the war. The Government, ever wary of any links to the LTTE, saw this as an attempt to undermine its authority and sow discord among the northern population.

Media reports also indicated that there were arrests made when two groups had attempted to distribute pro-LTTE leaflets in the Eastern Province. Even though the Government will see this as a threat, from a humanitarian perspective, the people who died are still beloved members of a family. They are someone’s father, brother, sister, and daughter. Forgetting these human ties and the deep social connection between the people in the north and east would be a grave insensitivity that will not stand well for reconciliation.

This connection, together with the untold suffering that these people endured for decades on end, cannot be erased overnight. There should be more understanding of their emotions without insecurity and suspicion being allowed to govern all actions. The attack of the Army on the Jaffna University and the subsequent tension will also erode confidence in the Government and make peace building mechanisms difficult, including civilian governance of the north.

Therefore, the incidents that transpired are regrettable and should not be allowed to be repeated, especially in the context of nearly four years lapsing since the end of the war. Reports have indicated that the three students who have been arrested will face investigations and it can only be earnestly hoped that the Government ensures that these inquiries are made in a fair and transparent manner. Effectively dealing with the fallout of this incident on Sinhala- Tamil relations mean that the Government has to serve the best interests of justice and not allow its forces to act with impunity.

The fear, mistrust, and suspicion caused by this event cannot be allowed to fester. Real development cannot be achieved without political rights, freedom of movement and speech, as well as a frank engagement with State entities that includes the Police and the Army. The civil administration of Jaffna must be empowered to deal with such instances armed by the rule of law. Arbitrarily dealing with students due to security fears is likely to increase them rather than reconstructing peace in the region.

In real terms, development is yet to reach the north. All stakeholders, particularly the private sector, need to take a more proactive role to allow the north to heal through taking economic opportunities there. The Achchuveli investment zone together with garment manufacturers has spearheaded this task but a lot more needs to be done. These industrious people need capital, technology, and market access, among other resources to rebuild their world. For peace to have any meaning, they must be assisted on political, social, and economic dimensions. Without such comprehensive assistance, there is every danger that a vicious cycle of suppression and violence will undermine Sri Lanka’s precious chance for peace.