The Situation Report

13th June 1999

Jaffna's normalcy under strain

Security forces commander – Jaffna speaks

By Iqbal Athas

Jaffna's normalcy under strain

The pilot of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Antonov 32 skillfully manoeuvres for a combat touch down at the Palaly airport to avoid possible missile attacks. Faces of the few on board reflect their nervousness.

The eerie moments begin when the aircraft makes a descent to land and lasts until touch down. That ends an hour long flight from Ratmalana.

The mood is almost inevitable routine for troops who arrive or depart. So it has been since Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) downed two SLAF Avro aircraft, one after another, on April 28 and 29 1995, over Jaffna skies. But the mood changes as they walk down the step ladder after the hatch door flings open. They laugh and chat as they walk through the landing area to their vehicles for onward movement to various camps.

The drive to Jaffna town begins as The Sunday Times photographer Alfred Silva and I drive out of the high security zone — the Security Forces Headquarters complex at Palaly. Our visit was the result of a request made to Ariya Rubasinghe, Director of Information, on whose recommendation the Ministry of Defence granted clearance and made the necessary arrangements. It came despite apprehensions in some quarters. One senior Army official tasked with media responsibilities even asked "why at this time. Is it wise to send them now?"

Along the road one can hardly miss an armed soldier or policemen. They are all over — at inter-sections, checkpoints, behind walls and even in the lush banana and vegetable fields. Unlike in the past years, they are not on an offensive posture to crack down on the enemy.

Some 30,000 of them are playing a much bigger role — maintaining normalcy and peace in the Jaffna peninsula, the PA government's much acclaimed show piece achievement during the 17-year long separatist war with Tiger guerrillas.

Even if the government's propaganda machinery failed to project that normalcy to those in the south, or for that matter to the world outside, like the armed troops, it was very much evident in the peninsula. Threats of Tiger guerrilla attacks, like in Colombo or other cities, of course precluded that normalcy from being absolute. Yet, that did not impede civilian life in Jaffna.

Shops were well stocked, from food items, clothes, electronic goods to even liquor of all kinds. Farmers were busy tilling their soil. School children on bicycles crowded the roads. So did farmers who were doing a balancing act on their push or motor cycles with as many as five to six bunches of bananas tied precariously on either side. They literally monopolised the road and severely impeded the movement of vehicular traffic.

Road discipline does not exist with each trying to have their way over the other. Accidents, though not fatal, are common. Motor cycle drivers wore no helmets. Nor did many possess licences to ride, like those who drove around in vintage Morris Minor and Austin cars, which the British manufacturers would pay premium prices and place in their museums. Private coaches packed with passengers tilted heavily to a side as they moved.

Schools were busy. Children were either in their classrooms or at physical training in their playgrounds. Government offices were open for business. There were queues outside some of them. Fuel stations remained open. So did the fish market, though the variety available was limited and the prices incredibly cheap.

That is not to say that life in the Jaffna peninsula, over three and half years after re-capture through 'Operation Riviresa', is all hunky dory today. There have been many shortcomings too. Transport facilities for the public to move in and out of the peninsula were not easily available. Only a few could afford costly air fares. Law and order machinery did not function effectively. Nor did the courts of law. The only exception appears to be the Magistrate's Court in Jaffna. Magistrate S.A.E. Ehanathan hears 'urgent' cases from a 'court room' located in a private house. The overall normalcy, which the troops have fought so hard to maintain, is coming under increasingly heavy strain. And that is for no fault of the troops.

The reasons are many and all of them seem to centre around bureaucratic failure, delay or inaction to meet the urgent needs of the Jaffna public.

The political leadership in Colombo also appeared to be unaware that a process of deterioration, though not irreversible, has got under way. If they were aware, they had not acted to arrest the trend.

Last Tuesday, none other than the Governor of North-East, Major General Asoka Jayawardena, who heard details was shocked. He is no stranger to the area. As security forces commander in the peninsula before retirement, the veteran Army officer has seen matters from a security perspective. This week in Jaffna, he was meeting government officials, military leaders, citizens groups, religious leaders, human rights bodies and representatives of political parties in his new role as Governor, to gain first hand knowledge of things.

He ended a four day tour of the peninsula, the first since assuming office as governor, and flew to his main office in Trincomalee last Friday to rush an urgent report to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (See report in Special Assignment-Situation Report on Page 8 today).

Quite clearly, the vacuum created by the absence of a political leadership and the lack of governmental inputs in many areas were beginning to have a debilitating effect.

The single most important factor is the non availability of transport from the peninsula to the south and vice versa. There is no land based main supply route. 'Operation Jaya Sikurui' (Victory Assured), which was to establish one, was abandoned after 18 long months due to heavy losses of men and material.

Constraints faced by the Sri Lanka Air Force has restricted air movements.

Absence of passenger vessels and inadequacy of cargo vessels have virtually isolated the peninsula. Public travel outside the peninsula is almost totally curtailed (see Page 8 for story). Only a few hundred succeed to travel by air every month, that too, after a long drawn out security procedures. Farm produce cannot be moved for sale outside. A kilo of small onions, for example, costs ten rupees. Farmers say it was far below the cost of production whilst in Colombo the price is Rs 80 a kilo.

It was only in April this year, that European Union member states in Sri Lanka charged the government was not taking the 'required lead' in relief and rehabilitation projects in the Jaffna peninsula. They said that 'as a consequence of the lack of regular, safe and adequate transport facilities to and from Jaffna, costs for foreign expertise has risen by 450 per cent and overhead costs by 30 per cent."

A United Nations official involved in mine clearing operations feared costs for their operations, to be undertaken by private commercial enterprises, would increase due to this.

The absence of people to people contact between those in the peninsula and the south, the result of transport constraints, coupled together with restrictions on media travel to the peninsula, have severely curbed the flow of information. The result has been the creation of myths about life in the peninsula. There were many.

One myth was that the security forces were in control of the peninsula only by day and Tiger guerrillas held it by night. Threats of guerrilla attacks, either during day or night, are very much alive. But the troops are very much present during the night too. They carry out checks until curfew (from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m) and launch ambushes. Cameraman Silva and I joined troops on a night drive and saw them doing their regular chores.

"They (security forces) are doing a good job. They are trying to understand the nature of the people and maintain a good relationship," says Jaffna's Bishop His Lordship Thomas Savundranayagam. (See interview on Page 8).

He says tensions in the Army's relationship with the public have eased considerably and their fears allayed to a large extent. But he feels there is more to be done.

In the backdrop of these developments, the LTTE has not remained quiet. If the many months after the re-capture of the peninsula was trouble free, they began to infiltrate. That saw the return of sporadic violence since July 4, 1996, when a suicide bomber exploded herself at Stanley Road, Jaffna, killing Brigadier Ananda Hamangoda, SSP Carlyle Dias and ten others. Since the conduct of local polls after a break of 14 years, two Mayors and nine councillors have been killed this year. Threats have been issued to other councillors and even members of other Tamil political parties to resign. And now, in this backdrop, Tiger guerrilla activity is increasing rapidly. "There has been an increase in infiltration," says Major General Lohan Gunawardena, Security Forces Commander, Jaffna — the senior-most military official in the peninsula. He warns they will attempt to destabilise Jaffna. "They (LTTE) are not undertaking any major operations since they cannot afford large-scale casualties. They would concentrate on trying to destabilise the area in such a manner the public would lose confidence in the government and the security forces," he warns. (see interview on this page).

This is exactly what the LTTE has now embarked upon. Last month, Thooyavan who heads a self styled 'Tamileelam Administrative Service'-TAS- (an LTTE front organisation) sent out letters to State sector employees to keep away from offices on Tuesdays and Fridays. Government offices, banks and State Corporations remained closed on May 21, 25, 28 and June 1. Work came to a complete standstill.

However, things returned to normal on Friday, June 4. There were two versions about how it occurred. Thooyavan sent out letters on May 27 to State Sector employees informing them that boycott of work during Tuesdays and Fridays had been 'temporarily suspended' but warned the public to be prepared for a complete break down of civil administration if they (the TAS) felt such a move was necessary.

Authoritative sources in Jaffna told me that the LTTE introduced the boycott to test what he called "their strength" and found it worked well. According to the source, they had no plans to continue with the boycott because of the hardships it would cause to the people. "They will now go on to make bigger campaigns to include boycott of work as part of it," the source added.

But, Maj. Gen. Lohan Gunawardena had a different explanation. He had sent out an official order (under Emergency Regulations) directing employees in government departments, banks and corporations to resume work on Friday June 4. He warned they would be liable for prosecution for 'violation of the Emergency (Proscribing of LTTE) Regulation.' He believes the news of his impending directive to State sector employees, which was discussed with some senior public officials, had leaked hours ahead and Thooyavan pre-empted it by announcing a 'temporary suspension.'

I walked the streets of Jaffna unaccompanied by soldiers or officials. Most were reluctant to talk of anything that related to Tiger guerrillas. There were a handful who were communicative when they were satisfied with my identity. They spoke about fears during curfew hours. Robberies were on the rise. They alleged that police were inactive. They said even after complaints were made, police wanted them to identify the suspects.

That was not all. They were told to apprehend and bring them to the police station. A senior Police official admitted "the unfortunate situation" exists. Firstly, there was an acute shortage of policemen. Secondly, policemen were being posted to the Jaffna peninsula to serve compulsory six month stints or were on punishment transfer. "They kicked their heels until the six month period is over and are not focused on their jobs," said the official.

Another public complaint was the inconvenience they undergo when they travel in buses or walk short distances, even a few hundred metres. That would entail having to go through a queue with barbed wire on both sides for checks. Body checks are carried out on them. Parcels they carry are checked. More often, it is a case of going through two or more such checkpoints. If that runs counter to a hearts and minds exercise, security forces are apologetic. They say rising infiltration of Tiger cadres has brought about such measures.

Increase in LTTE infiltration and activity, I learnt from reliable sources in Jaffna, had risen manifold. One source said their numbers ranged from 500 to 700 cadres (including 'sleeping' members) and they belonged to various arms — finance, political, intelligence and military. Military Intelligence officials, however, dismiss these figures as "too high" and claim there are not more than 50 to 75 cadres.

The Finance Unit has already embarked on a fund raising campaign. Several leading business houses in the town and outside have made substantial contributions averaging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 300,000. The Finance wing has also embarked on a unique role playing 'international bankers' to Tamils living abroad. They accept funds from expatriate Tamils in various foreign capitals in US dollars (and other currency) and pay prospective recipients in the peninsula and Wanni in Sri Lanka currency. Some Jaffna residents described the process as 'easier and quicker' than remittances through local banks. This was one way the LTTE was converting Sri Lanka rupees into foreign currency to pay for procurements.

Maj. Gen. Gunawardena confirmed a fund raising campaign had been under way. "They want to raise Rs 50 million from Jaffna peninsula, the bulk of it from Valikamam," he says.

The Political Wing has been in the forefront of the campaign to boycott government offices, state corporations and banks. They are said to be responsible for various types of leaflets circulated to the public in Jaffna. The unit is now said to be busy formulating new plans to disrupt normalcy and isolate the public from the security forces, the same sources said.

The Intelligence Wing is said to have become very effective. They have sent out periodic warnings to senior citizens or officials who have had visits to their homes from Army or police officials.

Two weeks ago, an official who took part in a conference with the Government Agent received a telephone call. He was warned for making statements at the conference that went against the LTTE. Military Wing members were operating in small groups. Some carried micro pistols to take on opportunity targets. There have been instances of soldiers at checkpoints being fired upon.

Last week, a group of Military Wing members stopped a bus proceeding from Chavakachcheri to Point Pedro and seized 12 Identity Cards from passengers. These IDs were those issued to civilians by the Army after conclusion of background checks and helped in their easy movement through check-points.

Fears of forced recruitment by the LTTE have surfaced after five students in the Neervely-Puttur area went missing. They were busy clearing the ground for the establishment of a community centre. This incident came in the backdrop of reports that other children from the same area have been recruited.

Special programmes of the clandestine Voice of Tigers (VOT) are now heard in the peninsula. One broadcast last week repeated warnings to members of other Tamil groups to resign and be with their families. The broadcast said those not heeding the warning would be punished. Military sources admit intercepting LTTE radio communications within the peninsula in the recent weeks.

Contrary to the widespread notion in the south, the government's crown in the jewel in the ongoing separatist war, the re-capture of the Jaffna peninsula, is still a success story. But bureaucratic lethargy and inaction on government's own part to alleviate the sufferings of the Jaffna public, if continued, may turn that into a colossal failure.

One is reminded of the conditions that prevailed in the Jaffna peninsula before Tiger guerrillas gained control in the in the late 1980s. They threatened and coerced all law enforcement agencies into submission. Coupled to this were other efforts including civil disobedience campaigns. They all contributed to prevent the mobility of the security forces and the police to maintain the writ of the government. Thus a vacuum was created for them to operate.

Three and half years after the re-capture of Jaffna peninsula, the same trends are manifesting themselves. But today, morale of the troops there are high and the public co-operation in counter guerrilla activity most remarkable.

Many civilians have been paid out handsome rewards for tipping off the security forces and police about guerrilla activities.

Attacks have been prevented and weapons have been recovered.

But a government delay to respond to the problems in Jaffna will not only earn for them the wrath of the public there but also push them into LTTE hands. This certainly is a serious problem not for the government alone, but for both the peace and the war lobbies in the country.

Security forces commander – Jaffna speaks

'We have infiltrators into the Jaffna peninsula who are trying to keep the movement alive. They intimidate the public by saying they (the security forces) are there and we (the LTTE) are also there,' says Major General Lohan Gunawardena, Security Forces Commander, Jaffna - the senior most military official in the peninsula. He gave The Sunday Times an exclusive interview from his Headquarters in Palaly. Here are excerpts.

The current situation in the peninsula

There is a state of normalcy though it may not be one hundred per cent. There is a lot of co-operation from the public. There is a certain amount of tension which is inevitable. That is quite natural when there are 30,000 troops, checkpoints, cordon and search operations and sporadic incidents. But by and large, the people of Jaffna have benefited. The basic necessities of life have become available to them. Once transport difficulties currently encountered are resolved, development and normalisation process will speed up. The Government is giving priority to these matters.

On ltte infiltration into jaffna peninsula

We have infiltrators who keep the LTTE movement alive. They tell the general public they (the Army) are there and we (the LTTE) are also there. They intimidate them by saying we can also do things. They take on a target or two, extort money, throw a grenade, explode a Claymore mine. That is the type of incidents that occur. I would say infiltration has increased. That is because the LTTE has got the feeling the public are getting away from them. That is why the LTTE launched a campaign to say whatever the security forces were doing 'was not genuine.' They are very worried.

Main problems in the jaffna peninsula

Retardation of the normalisation process and development programmes have become issues of priority attention. It creates in the minds of the population a 'caged up' psychosis that nothing is happening. This is a peninsula.

The road is closed. You cannot walk anywhere outside. The only way is by ship or by plane. That is limited. We have to therefore make efforts to change 'the mindset of the public' and make them feel free to move in and outside the peninsula. There is also the case of school drop outs and the problem of unemployment. Employment opportunities are limited.

Law and order situation

The Police require more manpower. This has been projected to the authorities. This is an immediate need. We will have to give the people a sense of confidence in the system. The non functioning of the judiciary is also a problem.

Unofficially certain amount of legal work is being carried out in the Magistrate's chambers. We want the urgent cases to be disposed of.

The public are greatly inconvenienced although they will not say it publicly.

Co-operation between public and security forces

The public do co-operate with us. This is a worry for the LTTE. We get information from the public and have won their confidence. We do not want to publicise details of the close rapport we maintain.

Restoration of a civil administration

The LTTE has been opposed to political activity in the peninsula. They feel they are the guardians of the Tamil race. These are persons who have been chosen by the Tamil public to represent them and serve them in democratically elected institutions. The LTTE wants to assassinate them. That is an act against their own people.

On LTTE's efforts to destablise Jaffna

They will attempt to destablise Jaffna. They will try to do so in such a manner that the public would lose confidence in the government and the security forces. Incidents here and there created a fear psychosis. They tried to make us react harshly against the public and bring about a situation of unrest. We did not fall for that trap. We have changed our tactics and are well aware of the methods to contain infiltration. We will concentrate on that and at the same time maintain the confidence we enjoy with the public. We are teaching our soldiers to speak Tamil. We want to forge greater understanding with the public.

The Fifth Column

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