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We still don't trust the LTTE, says EPDP chief
By Shelani Perera
* : What has been happening in the Delft island recently?

The incidents began on October 5, when the EPDP office which has been there for about 12 years was attacked by the LTTE. As there was tension in the area we were forced to close the office.

On November 16 (Saturday) we returned to the island to begin our political activities again. But on the same day the LTTE had organised an agitation campaign forcing the people to join. The LTTE had also roped in some thugs who were shouting and demanding that we vacate the office. We were given several ultimatums. First it was the same day (Saturday) 9.00 p.m. Subsequently it was extended to 6.00 a.m. on Sunday and then to Monday evening. But we stayed on after asking for police protection. We have begun our political activities and we will continue to stay on. There are reports that the LTTE is planning more hartals. But we believe it is our political right to stay on. Just because about 100 people out of about 6000 on the island want us to leave, we will not leave. I went to the island in 1990 and the people are happy because our party has done a lot for them.

* : Why is the EPDP against the LTTE setting up office in the Delft?

We are not against it. We are for pluralism, democracy and human rights. We believe that any political party has the democratic right to setup office in the island. It is the LTTE that does not recognise other parties with opposing views.

* It is reported that there are several groups demanding that the EPDP withdraw from the Peninsula

These so called groups are none other than the LTTE and its agents. They came up after the MoU was signed. They have no permanent addresses or registered names and came up on the spur of the moment.

* Do you think setting up an EPDP office and an LTTE office would spark off any violence in the island ?

We have not gone there to fight. We only want to carry out political activities. We have offices in Vauvniya, Mannar, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trinco and several other places. But we have never said that the LTTE should leave.

* So why is there a problem in Delft ?

Geographically it is located in a strategic point and the LTTE can carry on with illegal activities. The LTTE could have its own armoury there and be involved in arms smuggling as well as keep an eye on developments in India. They want us out of the island so that they could have a free reign over it. The LTTE attacked our office in October to show that it was the sole representative of the people. They never expected us to regroup and return in a month's time. That's why they started attacking us again. This is the history of the LTTE, a group that never tolerated divergent views.

* What is the opinion of other Tamil parties over these incidents in the Delft?

There's only one other party. That's the TNA and that has no independent voice. It is a mere front for the LTTE.

* Do you think that the LTTE instigated the protest which was held against the EPDP ?

Yes. they even forced school children to take part in the protest. These students hid their faces when they passed our office.

* The LTTE has asked EPDP to move out for a particular time period. Do you think this is justifiable?

No. The LTTE has no right to ask us to move out even for a second. The people of Delft voted for us and we have the political right to be here. We are the members of the Pradeshiya Saba.

* The EPDP has always opposed the LTTE. Do you see a conflict between the two parties in a future political setup.

We have different political agendas and we view the ethnic issue differently. But the LTTE used violence to curb our political rights. We got arms legally to defend ourselves.

* The TNA has called for the EPDP to be disarmed ?

We are disarmed. We gave up our weapons once the MOU was signed. It is the LTTE that should be disarmed. We are given protection by the police.

* Are you satisfied with the manner in which the government and the SLMM tackled the Delft incident ?

The government particularly the security forces acted impartially. But we are not happy with the SLMM. I believe that during the protest, SLMM officers on the pretext of talking to the demonstrators kept urging them closer to our office. Although the head of SLMM told us after the attack on Wednesday that we had the right to continue with our political activities, when the attack occurred, the Northern SLMM representative wanted us to temporarily withdraw till the tension defused. But we said if we withdraw the LTTE too would have to withdraw. It is also difficult to lodge a complaint at the SLMM district office as there is an LTTE member in the committee and our people are afraid to say anything.

* The LTTE appears to be strengthening its administration in the North and East. How do you view this?

I believe the LTTE is forcing the state machinery to do what it wants. The people in these areas fear the LTTE so they abide by its laws.

* Why did the EPDP vote with the government when the Interior Ministry budget was debated?

We still don't trust the LTTE. We feel that the security of EPDP members and the people can only be ensured by the police.

* How do you view the peace process ?

The government is on the right track and its efforts are genuine. But we have our doubts about the LTTE. For instance, the LTTE's chief negotiator Anton Balasingham during the peace talks said other parties in the North and East would have the right to carry out political activities. But see what happened in Delft and other places? So how can we trust them? The LTTE should demonstrate its sincerity in deeds and not in mere words.

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