The PA Government gave hope of a “new sunrise” to the country’s North and East. For over 13 years the country was on the reverse gear, thanks to the lackadaisical manner of political pundits.
Startling revelations of Government-backed war crimes (the country being the victim) have shocked the people. The PA government promised a new beginning and a swift end to the protracted war. It began in earnest, reaping rich dividends with the capture of the Jaffna peninsula.
But it seems as if the apathetic political minds have yet again damaged the country’s interests. Politicking has prevailed over the well-being of the people
Thousands of civilians were forced to run for their lives, creating a new dimension in this human suffering. When a country is at war, no government can possibly prevent a refugee influx, as civilians flee the fighting
A Wanni offensive was on the cards for years. The PA government took the right steps and a victory in Jaffna brought it nearer to the goal. If Jaffna was the crowning jewel of a defacto LTTE government, then Wanni is its lifeline, the military-stronghold of Velupillai Prabhakaran. The Security Forces were being beefed up and equipped for what would be the most lethal and decisive battle in the history of the Eelam War.
But in its haste to cover-up and compensate for the debacle in Mullaitivu, the government jumped the gun and ordered a massive offensive. A white-elephant roaring southward from Elephant Pass.
Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi have proved a stumbling block for the government. The salient point on which the country’s future depends precarioulsy is that politicians cannot run a war.
Why was a recommendation by the Army Commander concerning Mullaitivu, blatantly rejected? The call for the withdrawal of troops from Mullaitivu citing the base as a liability.
Quo Vadis?... ask the ground commanders and young veterans of war. These men are answerable to soldiers who have put the country before self. The Army needs men, all it could muster, for this war to go on. The response has been more than discouraging.
In the face of growing resentment in the security forces over the treatment meted out to senior men, the government wasted no time granting generous promotions to senior officers in the three services. Analysts see this as an attempt to strengthen the government’s popularity among the top-brass.
However, some of these men had really earned their promotions by showing outstanding military dedication and the move would encourage them to greater deeds. The need of the hour, however, is for the government to boost the morale of the troops and offer a cohesive strategy to counter the LTTE.
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