TAMIL NATIONAL FORUM

Selected Writings -  Fr. Chandiravarman Sinnathurai

The Elephant in the Room

The expression "elephant in the room" refers to a situation where something major is going on, it's on everyone's mind and impossible to ignore - like an elephant in the room. But nobody talks about the "elephant" because nobody knows what to do about it. It's along the same lines as "the emperor's new clothes." The emperor's naked but nobody wants to be the first to say so…

4 April 2006

Sri Lanka Government (SLG) has informed the people of Tamil Eelam that the sea [not to mention the land] solely belongs to the Sinhalas. In other words the Tamil deep sea fisherman has to starve because the Sinhala state has chosen to rob them of their livelihood in the name of a psychotic protectionism!

The Chairman of the North East fisheries Consortium articulated very clearly in an interview on the 2nd of April, 2006, to the media that “the Tamil families had to suffer as a consequence, displacements, harassment and perpetual uncertainty since the 1980’s”. So, this is not something recent! “Without the sea-Tigers for our protection” the Chairman protested, “we are finished”.

Now what does it tell us? In the island, there are effectively two separate countries. However, until we rule our seas, the honor of our forefathers as an ancient seafaring nation is yet to be restored. In terms of sovereignty however, both the land and the sea has to be recovered.

What is said above or what is to be said below might not be palatable to international ears. None can shut their ears and eyes and mouth for too long however, when the ground reality is an appalling human rights catastrophe!

Batticaloa

People are only now beginning to whisper their frustrations and fears in the Batticaloa district – perhaps not as publicly, as one would have liked to. Speaking out publicly is not possible unless one is willing to get killed by the State Security and the quisling forces. Reliable sources in the villages are revealing the truth, in great fear of repercussions of course. There are abductions of both under-age children and able-bodied adults are taking place in the Batticaloa District – many cases are reported only to become a statistic under the category of “disappearance”. There is sadly, no active search for the ‘disappeared’ at all. Such a cycle of inaction makes many cases to go un-reported.

Testimonies are emerging that these abductions are NOT a method for conscription. The purpose happens to be even more sinister. These abducted children and adults are murdered and their vital organs are smuggled into the West. Of course, this is indeed a lucrative racket in which Western underground counterparts are believed to be involved in it as well! The anecdotal evidences point that the main operative in the East involved in this “abduction for organs” project is the “Karuna armed faction”.

Scandal

We are keenly aware that some people, quite rightly, might ask for proof. Any one can make false allegations. “Where is the evidence?” The question is whether the SLG will be willing to investigate this human rights scandal. In the context of fear and intimidation and lawlessness none would volunteer information for the genuine fear of becoming a potential abducted organ donor! The State does not guarantee protection for potential witnesses. That is the most effective way to gag the mouth of the public and to get rid of any clues and evidences. Why? It is common knowledge, that such human smuggling and human organs trafficking cannot happen without the ‘nod and a wink’ of the State Security Forces.

Many villagers in the east are willing to share these horror stories only in strictest confidence and trace the places where these acts are taking place. But can they report to the authorities? Can they speak to an independent human rights organization, if there is any? Prudence would suggest the contrary. Why? Who will give protection – protection of their human dignity and their right to live once information is extracted from these people? Often the ones who are willing to testify of such happenings are expendable. When naked fear reigns every one looks over the shoulder. None would want to talk about it.

Crimes

Just because one cannot provide proof immediately that does not negate the fact these gruesome acts are not taking place. At this stage one can neither prove nor disprove.

It is wrong nonetheless to deny out rightly that these organized crimes against humanity are not occurring.

The urgent question in this desperate situation is that who will empower these people to stand up and speak in order for the world community to act genuinely if they can by exerting pressure on SLG.

The other easy and comfortable option is to continue in denial and commit the sin of omission. You know its happening but pretend as though it is not and wish it would go away!

One must also stand in front of the mirror and ask oneself, “What would be my reaction should the abducted “organ donor” victim was my friend or relative; brother, sister, or my son or daughter?”