Before the end

The surrender of two key LTTE leaders on Wednesday shows how fast it could all be unravelling for the terrorist organisation. Taking Tigers prisoner is rare at any given time,and the detention of Daya Master,a former media coordinator,and George,an aide to S.P. Thamilchelvan,the chief of the LTTE’s political wing who was killed in 2007,will be regarded as a key success. But on Wednesday too,there came increased international pressure on Colombo to spare a thought for the thousands of civilians believed to be trapped in the Tigers shrunken territory. The Sri Lankan authorities and the Tigers refuse to heed calls for cessation of firing long enough to enable civilians to escape into the safety of crowded refugee camps. Sri Lanka argues that a ceasefire would give the LTTE a chance to recoup at a time when they are facing the end to a 25-year-long conflict.

Nonetheless,strong words streamed in. Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee echoed many of his counterparts around the world,including from the United States,when he pointed to the LTTE’s barbaric practice of holding civilians hostage and also called on the Sri Lankan government to honour its responsibilities to its citizens. Colombo has rushed a special

envoy to New Delhi,but it must be obvious that the political ramifications of an escalating civilian toll will not be limited to election-bound Tamil Nadu; the manner of the military offensive will impact the reconciliation process within Sri Lanka that must begin at the earliest. Informed estimates vary on casualties. But given the numbers of civilians who have escaped out of the LTTE’s control,the humanitarian challenge for the Sri Lankan government is staggering. Tens of thousands,if not more than 100,000,had to be accommodated in camps just this week. Colombo has asked for international aid. That assistance must be made available. And the government must be more cooperative in allowing greater access to the camps set up.

Colombo also needs to temper the bluster that comes with the obvious satisfaction of facing down the Tigers. It needs to be responsive to anxiety that after a decisive victory it may be tempted to avoid starting a political dialogue to transform a military success into a durable peace. That peace can only come with reconciliation and political concession,and the international community needs to remind Sri Lanka’s leaders that this is where their interest lies.