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News Image 9374 - Anandasangaree honoured as UNESCO Laureate in France
Saturday, 18 November 2006 - 8:18 PM SL Time - Some news pictures are worth a million words
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Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) President Veerasingham Anandasangaree was awarded the prestigious 2006 UNESCO - Madanjeet Singh prize for the promotion of Tolerance and Non - Violence on Thursday November 16th. The prize - giving ceremony in Paris was held as usual on Nov 16th the International day for tolerance observed annually.
Loyal TULF supporters, family members and well - wishers from different European countries and Canada were in France to be present at the function where the 73 year old veteran Tamil Politician was honoured. The award carries with it an honorarium of $ 100,000 US dollars
The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura designated Anandasangaree as the laureate of the 2006 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence some months ago. The decision to award Anandasangaree the prize was made on the recommendation of an international jury.
The members of the jury were: Andrés Pastrana Arango, former President of Colombia; Bahia Hariri, President of the Commission for Education, Science and Culture of the Lebanese Parliament; Inder Kumar Gujral, former Prime Minister of India; Sergei Markarov and Manu Dibango, both UNESCO Artists for Peace.
When the name of Anandasangaree was announced as the UNESCO - laureate designate the accompanying press release described the TULF president thus - ? An indefatigable advocate of democracy and peaceful conflict resolution, he has contributed to raising awareness of the Tamil cause in a spirit of dialogue, while seeking to promote non-violent solutions to Sri Lanka and opposing terrorism. ?
The $100,000 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize was created in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the birth of the Mahatma Gandhi, thanks to the generosity of the Indian writer and diplomat Madanjeet Singh, who is also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Dedicated to advancing the spirit of tolerance in the arts, education, culture, science and communication, the Prize is awarded every two years to an individual or an institution for exceptional contributions in the promotion of tolerance and non-violence.
In 2004, the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence was awarded to the Bangladeshi writer and journalist Taslima Nasreen. Ms Nasreen has received public recognition for her writings against the oppression of women in some Asian countries.Facing death threats from Moslem fundamentalists, she continues fighting in exile for a new civil code, based on gender equality, and for secular education.
In 2002 the award went to Myanmayar (Burma) heroine Aung San Su Kyi who continues to fight an oppressive dictatorial regime through non - violent means. Su Kyi married to an Oxford don could have stayed on in Britain without any problem but chose to sacrifice home and family to return to her homeland and struggle for democracy. Despite her long years of house arrest and indefinite detention of her supporters Aung San Su Kyi and her movement for restoring democracy remain unbowed.
Sangaree as Anandasangaree is generally known in Sri Lanka is not an exile like Taslima or under house arrest like Aung San but certainly his life is under grave threat ever since he started defying the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE media has constantly attacked and vilified him as a traitor to the Tamils. Yet the danger to his life may not come from the LTTE alone but also from Tamil outfits aligned to the state.
Most of his former parliamentary colleagues in the TULF have disowned him. Some of his close supporters like former Trincomalee Urban council chairman Suriyamoorthy have been killed and others like ex- Jaffna MMC Muhunthan have been fired at and wounded. Other loyalists have fled the Country in fear.Many TULF members maintain contacts with him clandestinely due to understandable survival instincts.Only some TULF branches abroad openly extend solid support to him.
In that sense Anandasangaree is a lonely man. This is not the loneliness of being at the top but the loneliness brought about by adhering to one`s principles and advocating unpopular causes. There are no mobs to cheer him or garland him.There are no peddlers of influence around him. There is always some Tamil media organ or website attacking him. Privately many will admit that the man is right and admire his courage but publicly they will remain silent at best and abusive at worst.
Those travelling along this straight but narrow path are almost always lonely.They only have the courage of their convictions and the understanding of a few to sustain them. This writer understands Sangaree`s situation well because he too has in his own way experienced it in the past and is experiencing it in the present and will experience it in the future too. In that respect we may be kindred souls. It is this sense of empathy which led me to support Sangaree through these columns at a time when he was fighting a lost battle against a LTTE instigated intra - party attempt to de- throne him.
At a time when the TULF was under grave threat from the LTTE it was Sangaree who rallied the party around and provided moral strength to withstand the pressure. He planted himself in Jaffna and spearheaded the Jaffna municipal poll campaign. It was this success which helped the TULF restore lost prestige and regain a firm footing in Jaffna politics again.
Then the LTTE killed two TULF mayor and a mayoral aspirant. Again it was Sangaree who held the party together and with the help of his erstwhile protegee Nadarajah Raviraj as acting mayor kept running the Jaffna municipality.If Raviraj had declined the mayoralty or been killed then Sangaree was prepared to become Jaffna mayor himself and defy LTTE diktat.
This writer was also witness to another incident in Toronto in 2000 which illustrated the man`s courage and dedication to the party. Sangaree was in Canada when elections to were announced in Sri Lanka. He was preparing to return and take charge of the election campaign. This was a time when the TNA had not been formed and the TULF faced danger from both the LTTE and EPDP. His daughter was pleading with him not to go back but stay on in Canada. Sangaree refused but kept on repeating ?Whatever the danger I must face it. If we dont contest that is the end of our party?.
Yet the very same TULF which owed its current existence to this man`s courage and dedication turned against him when the LTTE wanted him out. When Sangaree was fighting a lone battle against those who wanted him out at the behest of the LTTE there was no media support for him. Many newspapers now singing hosannahs to him for taking on the LTTE ignored this man then. I think they did not fully comprehend what was going on then
It was at this time that this column supported Sangaree and gave much publicity to his struggle within the party. This was not due to my personal relationship with him alone. In fact I had many, many close friends in the TULF with whom I became estranged because of my support to Sangaree. My stance was due to two reasons. One was that I felt he was right in standing up to the LTTE. The other was that I felt his colleagues had treated him shamefully and that as an underdog he had to be supported.
Sadly Sangaree`s problems with the LTTE began because he stood up for the party and discouraged the tigers from interfering too much in TULF matters. When Anton Balasingham made insulting remarks about the TULF it was Sangaree then in Canada who issued an effective rejoinder. The TULF rank and file was overjoyed by Sangaree`s defiance. The late Raviraj stated publicly at the TULF meeting that it was Sangaree who salvaged the self - respect of the party. This was the beginning of the dispute between the LTTE and Sangaree. Yet when the LTTE exerted pressure the TULF bigwigs shamelessly threw Sangaree to the wolves or in this case the tigers.
When Anandasangaree succeeded Murugesu Sivasithamparam as TULF president in June 2002 this writer wrote an article in ?The Sunday Leader? of June 30th 2002 under the heading ?Former Trotskyite now leads the TULF?. This was before Sangaree`s problems with the LTTE . The last paragraph in that article is reproduced here as it heralded subsequent course of events.
?Anandasangaree takes over the TULF reins at a critical phase in the island`s politics. His party itself has accepted the overall dominance of the LTTE. Given Sangaree`s fiery independent streak it is very likely that the TULF while backing the LTTE politically would also try and retain some functional autonomy. That however depends on the extent to which his party colleagues will co-operate with him. If such enlightened unity and support is not rendered the ex-Trotskyite may very well be presiding over the swan song of the TULF.?
This is exactly what happened. While being supportive of the LTTE politically Sangaree tried to adopt an independent stance with self - respect for the TULF. His colleagues instead of supporting him became acolytes of the LTTE and betrayed their leader. They tried to remove him from Presidential office and expel him from the party. The matter went before courts. The TULF is now deprived of its identity and symbol. Sangaree is now the last of the Independent TULF old guard and the party swan song is on.
If Sangaree`s valiant fight within the TULF was a courageous feat the man displayed a rare fighting ability after his defeat. Instead of slinking into political oblivion with tail tucked between hind legs or going out to pasture with his children in Britain, Canada or Denmark Anandasangaree chose to remain in Colombo and fight it out. Instead of keeping mum or adopting the path of least resistance Sangaree opted to take the bull by its horns or the tiger by its jaws.
Sangaree has always been a brave fighter. Contesting as a 26 year old man from Jaffna against UNP Colombo Mayor VA Sugathadasa in 1959; parachuting as an unknown outsider into the unknown Kilinochchi in 1960 as LSSP candidate. Going against his two Tamil Congress parliamentary colleagues and voting against the 1972 Constitution. Combatting the ?power? campaign of SLFP Tamil cabinet minister Chelliah Kumarasuriar in 1977. Engaging in bitter acrimony with fellow TULF members over his demand to carve out Kilinochchi as a separate district from that of Jaffna.Defying the LTTE during Jaffna municipal elections and its aftermath. Resisting his ouster from TULF boldly instead of caving in to tiger pressure etc are all indicators of Sangaree`s courage and determination.
His finest hours however have come during his twilight years as a septugenarian. Sangaree has been struggling to keep the party alive amidst great adversity. He sold his jeep and some other personal assets to keep the party afloat. Some loyal TULF members, supporters and personal admirers have been chipping in to provide additional finances. He also fights many legal battles relating to politics.
What has been remarkable about the man is his dogged determination to articulate his viewpoint and advocate a negotiated settlement to the ethnic crisis on federal lines. He speaks out against the war and wants the problem to be resolved peacefully.Sangaree admires the Indian model and wants Sri Lanka to follow that example. He wants ethnic amity and harmony based on justice and equality.
Anandasangaree is a man with a mission. He has two goals. One is to ensure that Sri Lankans in general and Tamils in particular live in peace, equality and amity. For this he sees a federal set up on the Indian model as the solution. Secondly he wants the Tamil people to be truly free. For this he wants the iron grip of the LTTE to be relaxed. He wants the LTTE to reform or face consequences.
While there are many voices within the Tamil nationalist spectrum and among the human rights community to condemn the state and its minions there are comparatively few voices amidst Tamils who criticise the LTTE. The tiger is a holy cow for most Tamils and few Tamils dare to differ let alone criticise it. It has become in the words of famed Tamil poet Subramania Bharathy the ? Pesaap Porul? or unspeakable theme.
But not for Sangaree. He has been wading into these dangerous waters without hesitation. He has been branded traitor and a knave and as a man who has sold out and as one who has sold his soul etc. Yet he firmly stands his ground continuing to do what he thinks is right. By doing so he has touched on many issues that are ?untouchable? among Tamil political and media circles. Sangaree has also succeeded in giving voice to the unexpressed sentiments of the silenced Tamil majority . He is often the voice of the voiceless Tamils.
Sangaree like the mythical Sisyphus keeps trying to roll the boulder upwards not only with Tamil hardliners but also with Sinhala hawks. He has engaged in discussions with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and Jathika Hela Urumaya. He has met with UNP and SLFP leaders. He has interacted with Indian, Norwegian, Canadian and officials of other Countries. His passion is for a federal solution where all communities could co-exist peacefully.
He has given innumerable media interviews. Most of them are about the need for a federal solution and the necessity to ensure human rights, democracy and plurality among Tamils. Sangaree also writes letters emphasising these points to a number of people. His one to one letters to ?Thamby? Prabakaran the LTTE leader are notable epistles.
Sangaree is now 73. He told me recently that he has now written 71 letters. There is little doubt that he would score a century in letter writing soon. His followers are planning to publish them in a book. It would I am sure provide a penetrative insight into the politics of our times.
I have not agreed with some of the views he has expressed. There are some with which I concur but fault the man for the manner in which he has said it and the wrong sense of political timing. We have had heated discussions at times but Sangaree sticks to his guns. His final point is something with which the argument ends ? Jeya I am now in my seventies. I cant change now. You have to adjust?.
One thing he makes clear is that he seeks no political office. ?If it was an MP seat that I wanted I could have simply held ?pandam? like my other friends and been MP? he says. ?What I want is for my people to be truly free and enjoy equal rights. They must also have human rights and democracy? Sangaree says. Anandasangaree knows that the LTTE will not allow him to become an elected MP. At the same time he does not want to be align with the ruling party and obtain office.
I have been uncomfortable about his seeming reluctance to criticise the Government and armed forces while rushing hastily at times to condemn the LTTE. His criticism of Sinhala hardliners too has been mild. Whenever I ask him to comment from a Tamil perspective as he is TULF president Sangaree counters it by saying that in his view the LTTE is the greater danger to the Tamils and the least criticised by Tamils. He therefore takes the tigers on because the greater necessity from his perspective is for healthy criticism of the tigers to be articulated by Tamils. Also he says he is trying to build bridges and therefore needs to go slow in taking them on for the moment.
I do not know whether Sangaree is right in this or not. Only time can tell. Posterity may uphold his view or reject it. Earlier when he was optimistic about converting the JVP and JHU to federalism I was pessimistic. Nowadays Sangaree too has lost much of the initial enthusiasm. One does not know whether Velupillai Pirapakarans unshakeable conviction that the ?Sinhala? state will never be just by the Tamils and that a separate Country through armed struggle will be proved right in the long run. But people like Anandasangaree are entitled to their dreams and work politically to make them come true. Neither the LTTE nor the EPDP can snuff out someone`s life for holding or supporting different viewpoints.
While being critical of the LTTE it must be noted that Sangaree remains independent. He has not aligned with the Government or any Sinhala party. He also tries to keep a political distance between himself and Tamil parties working as paramilitaries. Sangaree also declined the offer of a national list MP nomination made by the JHU. Many Southern politicians and journals are appreciative of him because of his stance vis a vis the LTTE. But they are lukewarm when he advocates federalism. Sangaree knows the reality and continues to promote his political mission. He is given state protection because he is sorely in need of it. Otherwise he would have been exterminated long ago. This situation may compromise his independence to some extent but does the man have any choice?
His abhorrence of war and espousal of non - violence stems very much from very personal loss, suffering and pain. Sangaree has lost many relatives to political violence and terror. His elder brother Rajasangaree was the chairman of Chavakachcheri Citizens committee during the Indian Army period. Rajasangaree spoke out against Indian army atrocities and was killed by the EPRLF on Oct 26th 1987.
Anandasangaree`s younger brother Gnanasangaree was killed in Kilinochchi by the LTTE for criticing the tigers publicly. This happened on Feb 10th 1988. Two of Gnanasangaree`s sons spoke out publicly against their father`s killing. They were taken away by the tigers for questioning. They never returned.
Another brother Ganeshasangaree`s son was Yogasangaree. This nephew of Anandasangaree was elected as an EPRLF member of Parliament for Jaffna district in 1989. On June 19th 1990 Yogasangaree was in Madras for an EPRLF meeting at Kodambakkam with Secretary - General Padmanabha. LTTE assassins suddenly entered and sprayed the hall with machine gun fire. Fourteen including Padmanabha and Yogasangaree died.
On July 7th 2005 Islamic ?terrorists? set off human bomb explosions in subway trains and a surface bus. One of those killed was a young girl of Sri Lankan origin. She was Sayanuja the daughter of another brother of Anandasangaree named Parathasangaree.
So when Anandasangaree speaks out against war and political violence and speaks of a negotiated settlement and peaceful co-existence he speaks from the heart. Despite the overwhelming odds he has remained steadfast to his political mission. In that sense the past few years are perhaps the best and most productive period of his life. The LTTE and its minions may slander and condemn him as a traitor but all right thinking people with a proper understanding of what is going on in Sri Lanka will have only praise for this man`s dedication and courage.
The special jury that selected him as UNESCO laureate shared this feeling. Past winners like Taslima and Aung San have also been condemned as traitors to their religion and Country by the Islamic clerics and military junta. Likewise Anandasangaree too is criticised as a traitor to his race. The Madanjeetsingh prize is no respecter of such condemnation. In fact such descriptions are plus points in determining the winner. Going against the dominant entity among ones ethnicity and daring to critice it requires great moral and physical courage. The UNESCO jury has honoured Sangaree for that.
The award also goes beyond that. By bestowing it on Anandasangaree the UNESCO has recognized that the ultimate solution to Sri Lanka`s crisis cannot come through violence, war and terror. It can only come through a peaceful , negotiated settlement. Such a solution can only be through non - violent methods and a healthy respect and tolerance for all points of view. In his own, humble way Anandasangaree has been trying to help usher in a political settlement through those methods and based on those ideals. The UNESCO has recognized and honoured Anandasangaree`s efforts.
In the final analysis the award is also an implicit recognition of the justice of the Tamil cause and Anandasangaree`s espousal of it. Sangaree was honoured not only because of his advocacy of an alternative point of view to that of the LTTE. It is also an endorsement of his efforts to convince the majority community of the need for a federal solution. Let us hope then that becoming a UNESCO laureate would strengthen Anandasangaree to continue with his worthwhile mission.
Submitted By Member: ThinKing
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JRJayawardena
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 18 Nov 2006 14:23:25 GMT Report for Abuse
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A peaceful tamil for tamil people and a proud Lankan for all of us!!
JRJ |
Thambi
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 18 Nov 2006 14:35:45 GMT Report for Abuse
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The so called democrat did not open his mouth for the events below ,look like the awards are given for keeping the mouth shut or do some anti-tamil activities , like EPDP democrat waling with AK-47 .
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5102456.stm
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18447
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18118
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=16730
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18657
http://www.state-terrorism.net/state_terrorism3.htm
http://www.state-terrorism.net/state_terrorism4.htm
http://www.state-terrorism.net/state_terrorism5.htm
http://www.state-terrorism.net/state_terrorism6.htm
http://www.state-terrorism.net/1995/07/Navaly_Church_Bombed.htm
http://www.tamilnation.org/indictment/continuingwar/060426dbs_retaliation.htm |
Thambi
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18 Nov 2006 14:37:19 GMT Report for Abuse
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24 hours ago ,
SLA massacres students, 4 killed, 8 wounded
Sri Lanka Army soldiers manning a checkpost close to Thandikulam Agriculture Farm School in Vavuniya entered the school premises, lined up the uniformed hostel students who were engaged in practicals and shot at them, killing four students, 3 Tamil and a Muslim, and wounding eight. The troopers manning a checkpost, at Soya Lane, 100 meters away from the school, stormed the premises after a Claymore blast killed five soldiers opposite the school around 9:45 a.m. Saturday. Fellow students said the troopers shot at them while they were pleading they were innocent students.
the so called award winer did not say a word about it , so the he will get more and more awards , but the point is not a single award will come from TAMILS .
THARSINI'S RAPE, ALLAIPIDDY, VANKAALAI, MANNAR, PESAALAI SENCHOLAI 17 AIDS WORKERS, 11 MUSLIMS, 5 STUDENTS,IN TRINCO, BINDUWENNA , all massacre met a silence approval while this guy having cocktail party with sinhala regime .
Edited By - Thambi - 18 Nov 2006 14:43:37 GMT |
Revy
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18 Nov 2006 14:48:05 GMT Report for Abuse
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The sideshow is going to die all alone with only this cold glass to be with him, rejected by the Tamil people, rejected by his own family (not even his son talks to him) and used by the GoSL who will spit him out when they need too.
What a sorry fate, go die alone in corner you gutless swine hahah. |
AnuD
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18 Nov 2006 14:48:11 GMT Report for Abuse
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International community does not recognize that one group represent or the sole representative of tamils.
That is why one tamil is recognized for his work and given
$ 100,000 while another tamil group is recognized as a GROUP OF TERRORISTS IN THE WORLD.
So, tamils do not have to feel bad in the name of tamils. |
Thambi
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18 Nov 2006 14:49:40 GMT Report for Abuse
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Indians are worrying about fellow tamils in srilanka , while this guy having fun over tamils death .
Indian Premier writes to Vaiko: Colombo must meet legitimate Tamil rights through negotiations
Saturday, 18 November 2006, 12:38 GMT
Indian Prime Minisiter Dr. Manmohan Singh has written to Mr. Vaiko, the General Secretary of MDMK in Tamil Nadu state of India, sharing his concerns about the closure of A-9 highway and the loss of many innocent lives, mainly Tamils, including women and children, stating that it was a matter of 'utmost concern and sorrow.' India would reiterate to Colombo that it must find a political soiution through negotiations and meet the genuine and legitimate rights of the Tamils, rather than adopt tactics that lead to the death of innocent people, Dr. Manhoman Singh said, adding that India has taken great care not to provide Sri Lanka with lethal hardware that could be used against Tamils.
The letter from Indian Premier Dr. Manmohan Singh to Mr. Vaiko was released to media by the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Saturday amid fresh reports in the Indian Press about India's engagement in training three batches of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) personnel at Chandigarh, Punjab to support Colombo?s plans to expand its jet bomber fleet.
SLAF has carried out indiscrimate bombardment of civilian targets in the NorthEast amid increasing protests from Tamil leaders in Tamil Nadu state and the International Community.
Full text of the letter follows:
New Delhi
November 12, 2006
Dear Shri Vaikoji,
The latest incidents in Sri Lanka leading to the loss of many innocent lives, mainly Tamils including women and children, are a matter of the utmost concern and sorrow to all of us. We have consistently pointed out that there is no justification for violence of this kind and that the killing of innocent people, specially of women and children, is not acceptable.
We are taking up with the Government of Sri Lanka, at the appropriate level, the recent cases of civilian casualties, as well as the killing of innocent Tamils. We will reiterate to the Government of Sri Lanka that they must find a political soiution through negotiations that would meet the genuine and legitimate rights of the Tamils, rather than adopt tactics that lead to the death of innocent people.
I am aware that the Geneva talks in October between the representatives of the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE had collapsed. This has possibly hardened attitudes on both sides. We consider this unfortunate, and it is possible that the recent violent incidents are an outcome of this.
We share your concerns about the closure of Highway A-9 leading to acute scarcity of food stuff and essential supplies in Jaffna and its environs.
Taking note of the acute scarcity of essential items in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka, we have dispatched substantial quantities of rice, sugar and milk powder by way of humanitarian assistance. This may not be sufficient I agree, but I understand that the Sri Lankan authorities are meantime trying to supply Jaffna by the sea route.
We are fully alive to the sensitivities prevailing in the North and East of Sri Lanka, and the plight of the Tamils as also Muslims in these areas. You are aware that we have taken great care not to provide Sri Lanka with lethal offensive items of military hardware, specially of the kind that could be used against the Tamil population.
We have, at the same time and at every opportunity, also impressed upon the Sri Lankan Government to respect the rights and privileges of the Tamils of Sri Lanka as citizens of the country. This is again being conveyed to Sri Lankan authorities.
You may rest assured that we would do everything that we can to ensure diplomatically, and otherwise, that the loss of innocent lives does not take place.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
Manmohan Singh
Edited By - Thambi - 18 Nov 2006 14:50:49 GMT |
Revy
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18 Nov 2006 14:49:43 GMT Report for Abuse
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International community does not recognize that one group represent or the sole representative of tamils.
Hey AnuDUD, since when do WE TAMILS give a rat's a-- what the IC thinks, only your beggar state has to care. WE TAMILS did not elect this dog to anything he represents no one. |
Revy
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18 Nov 2006 15:24:44 GMT Report for Abuse
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Hey musketeer you pompus jackass, every Tamil no matter where we are living have already paid our price in blood, so go stuff you 'other peoples' kids BS somewhere else.
I don't know anyone who supports the cause of our liberation who hasn't been affected in some way. I have lost two close relatives and several others have had narrow escapes from your state terror.
So don't patronize us. |
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18 Nov 2006 14:28:44 GMT