Demands reappraisal of military deployment in N&E

Leader of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Mano Ganeshan, MP, yesterday (12) called for a reappraisal of military deployment in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.The former National Integration, Reconciliation and Official Languages Minister emphasised that successive governments continued to maintain, what he called, excessive military presence in the former war zones. National List MP Ganeshan, who is also the leader of the Democratic People’s Front (DPF), said the TPA backed the Illankai Thamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) call for a hartal in the Northern and Eastern regions on Friday (15) to protest the recent killing of 32-year-old Ethirmanasingham Kapilraj, allegedly by troops deployed at Muththaiyankaddu, Mullaitivu.

The other constituents of TPA are the Workers’ National Front and the Upcountry People’s Front.

Referring to ongoing reportage of the incident, the first of its kind since the change of government in September last year, lawmaker Ganeshan said that Kapilraj’s body was recovered from the Muththaiyankaddu tank.

Responding to The Island queries, the former Yahapalana Minister (Sept. 2015 to Nov. 2019) said that the wanton killing of Kapilraj should influence the National People’s Power (NPP) to review the overall military deployment.

Both DPF and TPA are constituents of the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)

The TPA leader said that the government couldn’t justify heavy military presence in the former war zones, over 17 years after the conclusion of fighting.

Relatives and friends carrying coffin of Kapilraj (pic courtesy Tamil Guardian)

When The Island pointed out the declaration made by the military that 91 percent of land, that had been occupied during the war, upto 2009, were released by July this year, MP Ganeshan said that though releasing of land happened over the years, he was not sure of the exact percentage. “I doubt it is as high as 91%. During the war, the military occupied land, surrounding their camps, to protect themselves from LTTE artillery pieces and long range mortars, which was understandable, given the circumstances. However, over 17 years after the conclusion of the conflict, the government cannot justify military holding onto public and private land.”

MP Ganeshan said: “Today, the issue is not just about returning land but also about the excessive military presence in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Stationing the Army in large numbers, in alien villages, can be counterproductive, especially when there’s no war.

The military is needed to protect national interests, such as safeguarding our fishermen from Indian aggression in areas like Karainagar, where there is a Navy camp. But the presence needs to be balanced.

The current imbalance is not just about numbers but also about representation. The Army’s composition, being predominantly Sinhalese, raises concerns about its ability to represent the diverse perspectives of the Sri Lankan population.”

We need to reassess the military’s role and presence from a Sri Lankan perspective, prioritising balance and inclusivity. This approach would help build trust and ensure that the military serves the entire nation, not just one community.”

Kapilraj’s funeral was held at Muththaiyankaddu, Mullaitivu, with the participation of several hundred villagers. Among those present were MPs Sivagnanam Siritharan, Thurairasa Ravikaran, Kadher Masthan, and former parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran, PC.

By Shamindra Ferdinando ✍️