Page 1
Coming to terms with our nation’s past through a t
AUSTRALIA WAS settled upon on the erroneous assumption that it was terra nullius or unoccupied land.
At the time of settlement this land was in fact inhabited by over 300,000 people of Aborigine and Torres Island Origin. Following settlement many indigenous people were killed including the entire Tasmanian population. Others fell prey to
European diseases. The introduction of feral domestic animals lead to the destruction of habitats. The cumulative effect has been the reduction in the numbers of aboriginal people.
This early non-recognition of the indigenous people of this land has resulted in a number of outrageous wrongs, the issue of the stolen generation being just one.
It has also resulted in one sided UTHAYAM STAFF REPORTER
developmen inclusion an clearly appa living stand non indigen We as mo reap the ben alienation o which sadly Many Aus reconciliati
Facing the hard knocks of learning
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, including many South Asians, are roughing it out with their friends due to a lack of affordable and suitable housing, according to representatives of student associations
They say some Monash University students are sleeping on classmates’ floors and couches.
Clayton and surrounding suburbs are experiencing the lowest rental vacancy rates in 40 years, and rent for houses and flats has gone up 20 per cent, according to official figures.
There was immense pressure on students with fixed incomes to find suitable housing, especially near Monash University.
St Vincent de Paul spokesman Gavin Dufty told a local newspaper that students were continually asking for emergency relief to cope with rising rental costs in Melbourne’s university areas.
``We’ve noticed over the last couple of years a significant increase in overcrowding and inappropriate accommodation options for students,’’ Mr Dufty said. Beyond the word sor
MANY COMMUNITIES; ON
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Austral Asian Voice Ph/Fax: +61(03) 9561 0242 10,000 copies dist P.O. Box 3170, Wheelers Hill, Vic 3150, web: www.uthayam.net / email: uthayam@o

yond the word sorry
Uthayam Uthayam
m.net / email: uthayam@optusnet.com.au
NITIES; ONE HUMANITY.
cjak;
Austral Asian Voice
42 10,000 copies distributed in Australia 0, Wheelers Hill, Vic 3150, Australia
nation’s past through a treaty among Australians
ion of
lative e
e s resulted s, the ng just
development. The need for reconciliation, inclusion and parallel development is clearly apparent in the widening gap in living standards between indigenous and non indigenous Australians.
We as more recently arrived migrants reap the benefits of this exploitation and alienation of the first people of this land, which sadly continues to date.
Many Australians have called for reconciliation in the form of a negotiated
treaty to right these wrongs, particularly to address the dispossession of land. The absence of a treaty the Aboriginal Treaty Committee states leads many aborigines to conclude that their resistance is not yet over. They also submit that the absence of a treaty does not help Australians of European descent as their ownership of this land continues to be defined in terms of force. Successive Parliament’s have resisted this call.
Continued on page 2
Bricklane Sri returns Lanka
to war
a soul journey Page 5 Page 11
MARCH 2008

Page 2
2 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008 Uthayam honoured for role in crimestopp
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Uthayam’s consistent contribution to stopping crime was recognized and honoured along with several other media institutions.
With the increase in crime rate the police and other emergency services have partnered with many institutions including the Uthayam to prevent crime.
Uthayam continued to display crimestoppers advertisements and articles to create awareness in the community. At a recent appreciation ceremoney Uthayam and several other media institutions were honoured by the
“Crime Stoppers’ for their assistance in making the program a success in Victoria.
Those who got the Appreciation Certificates included ‘The
resisted this call.
On February 13, 2008, the government made a formal apology to the ‘stolen generation’ 10 years after it was recommended by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HEROEC) in its 1997 landmark report ‘Bringing Them Home’. The report identified that from 1920 to 1970, over 50,000 children of aboriginal and Torres straits island origin were forcibly removed from their mothers and placed in camps and missionaries. The apology signifies an acknowledgement of the policies of successive parliaments that provided for the forced removal of children of aborigine and Torres island origins from their families and cultures and also serve to validate their individual experiences.
The Rudd government should be applauded for taking this bold step to make this apology given its predecessors resistance to it. In his speech, the Prime Minister dealt with many of the questions around why an apology was required. He drew attention to the fact that children were forcibly removed as recently as 1970 and that laws of parliament made it possible. He also drew attention to the fact that some present day Members of the House were sitting members of the House during the passage of such legislation. Importantly, he pointed that ‘stony silence’ does not help the nation move forward as equal partners providing equal opportunities.
The Prime Minister’s focus on Parliaments role in the forced removal of children is an apt observation. But is Parliament any different today. Does it for instance attempt to balance the interests of a pluralistic society or continue to favour the interests of persons of European descent on crucial issues. Under the Howard government Parliament had continued to let its policies favoring white over black hold sway and was manifest in its various attempts at whittling down Native Title and aborigine land rights. So what hope does the aboriginal people have when Parliament and the Courts continue to display an
NEWS
Going beyond the word . . .
OUR NATION’S PAST
•
Australia’s indigenous community has the hi rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease
•
Up to 80% of indigenous Australian children problems.
•
Indigenous people get between 9 and 21% le housing benefits.
•
Life expectancy at birth for an indigenous m compared to 76 years for non- indigenous m women have a life expectancy of 64.8 years c non-indigenous women.
•
Infant mortality for indigenous Australians 1 births compared to 5.2 per 1,000 infants for Australians.
ambivalent attitude to the rights of the indigenous people of this country.
Up until1976 Australia, continued to be the only former British colony that refused to recognise native inhabitant’s rights to land. In 1976, following recommendations of the Woodward Commission the government passed Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act, legally recognising the Aboriginal system of land ownership for the first time. This Act also sets up a process whereby the aborigine people could win back and manage their lands in the Northern Territory.
Other positive developments were introduced as a result of judicial activism by the courts. In 1992, a challenge was made to the notion that Australia was terra nullius when it was discovered in 1788. The High Court in its landmark decision in the Mabo Case held that this was an error giving recognition to aboriginal peoples land rights. However, the court also held that government had a right to acquire such lands.
The Mabo decision resulted in the Native Title Act that provided for a process of claiming and recognising Native Title over lands that could be shown to have been used by the aborigine people. The Mabo decision however did not deal with lands that were subject to leases. This was a major shortcoming particularly as a majority of the lands that the aborigine
Uthayam’, ‘South Asia Times ‘Indo-Times’, Ch. 31 and LE The certificates were awarde Hon. Bob Cameron, Minister Police and Emergency Servic
people coul leases that w Colonial of the land in A land in the
The issue o leases was d was decided could co-ex except whe conflict, in rights woul Native Title leases mean people who sheep statio sacred, trad significance
However, th Howard go conservativ pastoralists passing the This Bill no on leased la number of o introduced pastoralists areas such a and aquacu negotiate w Bill also ga granted by contravenin requiremen

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AST
s community has the highest rate of rheumatic heart disease in the world. ous Australian children have hearing
t between 9 and 21% less in public
rth for an indigenous male is 59.4 s for non- indigenous males. Indigenous pectancy of 64.8 years compared to 82 for en. indigenous Australians 13.0 per 1,000
.2 per 1,000 infants for non-indigenous
ayam’, ‘South Asia Times’, o-Times’, Ch. 31 and LEBA. certificates were awarded by . Bob Cameron, Minister for ce and Emergency Services at
f the .
d to be the fused to ts to land. ions of the rnment
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people could lay claims to were subject to leases that were granted by the then British Colonial office and affected almost 42% of the land in Australia and almost 93% of the land in the Northern Territory.
The issue of lands subject to pastoralist leases was dealt in the Wik case in 1996. it was decided in this case that Native Title could co-existed with pastoralist leases, except when the two systems were in conflict, in which case the pastoralists’ rights would prevail. The co-existence of Native Title rights with such pastoralist leases meant that thousands of Aboriginal people who were locked off cattle and sheep stations could now have access to sacred, traditional and other places of significance on such lands.
However, this win was short lived as the Howard government caving into conservative leaders and demands by pastoralists extinguished Native Title by passing the Native Title Amendment Bill. This Bill not only extinguished Native Title on leased lands but also took away a number of other rights that had been introduced by the Mabo decision. Thus, pastoralists were allowed to diversity into areas such as tourism, agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture without having to negotiate with Native Title interests. The Bill also gave recognition to mining leases granted by State and Territory governments contravening Native Title. Further the requirement of ‘negotiation’ was replaced
a glittering breakfast and launch of National Crime Stoppers Day on 15th February, 2008.
with ‘consultation’ in the case of mining in reserves, national parks and lands subject to pastoral leases. Further, vacant and crown land in cities and towns were exempt from native title claims while States and Territories were allowed to establish their own alternative native title schemes. The Northern Territory Government was the first to make use the gains from this amendment. In 1998 it attempted to push through its own alternative native title scheme which was widely viewed as further weakening the rights and interests of Native Title holders affecting their ability to protect their culture, way of life and gain economic benefits from activities on their land. While this piece of legislation was approved by the former Attorney General it did not get Senate approval.
Given this, the apology by the Rudd government while welcome seems a small step considering the overarching need for a negotiated settlement between Australians of Aborigine and Torres Island origin and Australians of European origins. As pointed by Justices Dean and Gaudron of the High Court “The acts and events ... (of Aboriginal) dispossession ... constitute the darkest aspect of the history of this nation... The nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices.”
At a media conference after the breakfast event, Australians were urged to “Put the Finger on Crime” as part of the National Crime Stoppers Day.
The public was asked to “Save this number – 1800 333 000 – to save the day!” by saving the number into their mobile phones. In the past year, Crime Stoppers in Victoria has received over 37,000 phone calls resulting in 1,062 arrests and 4,458 charges being laid.
Drug, traffic, homicide, fraud and theft related offences were the most commonly reported crimes.

Page 3
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
The Tamil Youngsters in Australia took part in a cricket match between Sri Lanka and India to bring the attention of the Australian public to the human rights violation in Sri Lanka against Tamils and the current situation of culture of impunity in Sri Lanka.
About 160 Tamil young- sters traveled 350 k.m at their own expenses to take part in the awareness event along with their Canberra col- leagues wearing red T-Shits showing the Tamil Eelam map along with red eelam flag with the “Where is Humanity?”, “Voice of Tamils” messages. They played eastern music to draw the attention of the crowed in the cricket ground.
The Tamil Youngsters say, they are planning to conduct similar awareness events on all the future matches in Australia where Sri Lanka will be taking part.
Sri Lanka recently celebrat- ed its 60th Independence day while Tamils experiencing worst form of Human Rights violations including enforced abductions, disappearances, shelling, bombing, mass arrests, torture, ethnic
cleansing, sexual harass- ments, destroying proper- ties and extrajudicial killings, a youngster who took part in the event told TNS.
Tamils in Sri Lanka also mourned their 60th oppression on February 4th the day they lost their basic rights and freedom exactly 60 years ago.
News
SL youth protest


Page 4
4 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
FIJI NEWS IN BRIEF
Transparency International for Mr Chaudhry’s resignation
It is alleged that close to a total of 1.6 million Australian dollars was deposited in five of his personal off shore accounts between September 2000 and December 2003, most of which had been shifted to investment accounts and earned substantial interest.However, after a year the money was transferred back to his account and withdrawn.Speaking to Village News, Chaudhry reiterates that he did not owe any outstanding taxes and will not resign for as long as he has the confidence of his cabinet.Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said he will make a statement on the matterTransparency International Fiji has called for Mr Chaudhry’s resignation. Transparency International Chairman, Hari Pal Singh said in any allegation against such nature any public officer should resign. National Federation Party general secretary, Parmod Rae said the call should be heeded if Mr Chaudhry was hiding something.
Second internet dater arrested for sex assault
Police widen date-site rape inquiry. Waikato police have arrested a second man for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman he met on the internet. Waikato police spokesman Andrew McAlley said a 36-year-old Te Kauwhata farmer allegedly sexually violated a 31-year-old Fijian woman who had come to New Zealand after developing a relationship with the man over the internet. The woman required medical attention at Waikato Hospital after the attack, he said. The man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court this morning, charged with sexual violation.
Fiji announces record visitor number from Australia in 2007
After tallying its visitor arrival numbers for the 2007 calendar year, the Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau has revealed that Australia produced record tourist arrivals numbers, reaching 198, 220 visitors. The bureau also informed that the figure represents a 24% increase on 2006 figures.“Collectively Australia and New Zealand account for more than 55 per cent of Fiji’s visitors overall.”
Military’s role in Fiji to be reviewed
Fiji’s military has conceded that its role in the country should be reviewed. The admission has come from Fiji’s military commander and Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama when addressing the first meeting of the council set up to produce the proposed People’s Charter. Pacnews quotes a Radio Australia report which says Commodore Bainimarama agrees an early draft on the people’s charter proposal does not include the future role of the military. He says as the current military commander he’s aware of concerns about the island’s coup culture image and adds Fiji must rid itself of this reputation. “For us to able to do this we must be able to address the fundamental problems and issues. This is what the peoples charter proposes and seeks to do we presented now with momentous opportunity Fiji people are now looking to their leaders for
C direction for answers for hope-this council must manifest a boldness of character.”
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A pro-LTTE personal photo Leader Velupi died. The phot promoted to th Colonel and th honour of Mam him.
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A pro-LTTE website recently said a personal photographer for LTTE Leader Velupillai Pripaharan had died. The photographer has been promoted to the military rank of Lt. Colonel and the supposedly civilian honour of Mamanithar concurred on him.
Sri Lanka Military Intelligence believe the Tiger had died of injuries sustained either on the LTTE He- roes-Day bombing of an LTTE hideout last November or in the February 6th bombing of Thiru- weiaru, north-west of Iranamadu
Tiger leader’s photographer killed
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Tank. The LTTE initially claimed that only civilians were killed in the attack.
The Sri Lanka Army’s Task Force I has managed to eliminate four LTTE Lt. Colonels within the space of four days. they include the LTTE’s Mannar District ‘Operations Com- mander Lt. Col Jeyakanthan from the LTTE’s elite Charles Anthony regiment.
Another LTTE regional commander Lt. Col Karunaharan along with several others was killed in the Weli Oya area.
News


Page 5
Asia Report from International crisis grou
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
S
ri Lanka is in civil war again, and there are no prospects of a peace process resuming soon. On 2 January 2008, the govern- ment announced its withdrawal from a ceasefire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This formalised a return to conflict that has been underway since 2006 but also presaged worse to come. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, abuses of human rights by both sides are increasing, and those calling for peace are being silenced. There is no present chance of a new ceasefire or negotiations since the govern- ment, despite pro forma state- ments in favour of a political solution, is dependent on hardlin- ers and appears intent on a military decision. International actors must concentrate for now on damage limitation: protecting civilians from the war’s worst effects and supporting those working to preserve Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions. In addition to heavy fighting in the north, the first weeks of 2008 have seen the assassinations of a government minister and a Tamil opposition member of parliament, multiple bombings in Colombo, a wave of deadly attacks on civilians in the majority Sinhalese south, and widespread disappear- ances and killings of non-com- bantants in the north and east. More than 5,000 combatants and civilians are estimated to have been killed over the past two years. At least 140,000 have fled intensified fighting in the north, and more are likely to be forced out if the military continues its push into Tiger-controlled territory. If the government’s military approach in the east is a precedent for its conduct of the
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
Sri Lanka’s return to wa limiting the damage
northern campaign, civilians and their property are at grave risk. Much of the blame for the resumption in violence lies with the LTTE; its ceasefire violations and abuses of the population under its control pushed the government towards war. The Tiger strategy was to shore up internal support by provoking a Sinhala nationalist reaction; it worked, although the insurgents may come to regret their ap- proach. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has also overplayed his hand. Relying on support from Sinhala extremists, he has let them set an agenda that allows only for a military approach. The military and much of the government leadership believe they can defeat or permanently weaken the Tigers by the end of 2008. The LTTE has been badly hurt over the past eighteen months: it has lost the areas it controlled in the Eastern Prov- ince; its arms routes have been disrupted; hundreds, perhaps thousands, of its fighters have been killed; and senior command- ers are now vulnerable to targeted elimination, either from air force bombs or special forces. But the Tigers remain a formidable fighting force. While the army has been inching forward in the north, they are fighting back from well-defended positions. Even assuming the Tigers can be defeated militarily, it remains unclear how the government would pacify and control the large Tamil-speaking areas in the north that have been under LTTE domination for a decade or more. The government argues its military campaign will clear the way for a political solution. Vowing to “eradicate terrorism”, it says it aims to destroy the
Tigers or force them to disarm and enter democratic politics a negotiations alongside other Tamil and Muslim parties. But after promising for more than year to undertake substantial constitutional reforms once the All-Party Representative Com mittee (APRC) recommended them, it now proposes only to “fully implement” the constitu tion’s long-existing Thirteenth Amendment. The limited de- volved powers for the north an east that this would represent a unlikely even in the best case t be sufficient to win over many Tamils or Muslims, though the could be a useful start if imple mented sincerely. Since Presid Rajapaksa has chosen to depen on strongly Sinhala nationalist parties for his government’s survival, however, this seems unlikely. Meanwhile, ethnic divisions ar deepening. The humanitarian costs of the war are concentrat in Tamil-speaking areas. In Colombo, security forces have conducted large, often indiscri nate arrests of Tamils under emergency regulations. But Muslims are under pressure fro both the Tamil Makkal Vidutha Puligal (TMVP), a paramilitar group which broke from the
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s or force them to disarm nter democratic politics and iations alongside other l and Muslim parties. But promising for more than a o undertake substantial itutional reforms once the arty Representative Com- e (APRC) recommended , it now proposes only to
implement” the constitu- long-existing Thirteenth dment. The limited de- d powers for the north and hat this would represent are ely even in the best case to fficient to win over many ls or Muslims, though they be a useful start if imple- ed sincerely. Since President aksa has chosen to depend ongly Sinhala nationalist s for his government’s val, however, this seems ely.
while, ethnic divisions are ning. The humanitarian of the war are concentrated mil-speaking areas. In
bo, security forces have cted large, often indiscrimi- rrests of Tamils under gency regulations. But ims are under pressure from the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai al (TMVP), a paramilitary
which broke from the
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Tigers and operates with the government’s blessing, and government-spon- sored land and administrative changes. The much touted “liberation” of the Eastern Province has failed to bring development or democracy; instead it has been characterised by military rule and rising ethnic tensions. The government will lose an opportunity to set up a democratic alternative to the LTTE in the east if it fails to rein in the TMVP ahead of a series of elections scheduled to begin in March 2008. The human rights and governance crisis continues unabated, with paralysis of the institutions empowered to investigate and prosecute, and consequent impunity for abusers. The many ad hoc commissions of inquiry of the past two years have accom- plished nothing, while disappear- ances and political killings continue, especially in Jaffna and other parts of the north. Both the Tigers and the TMVP continue to recruit and make use of child soldiers, despite repeated pledges to UN agencies and others not to. The current conflict is worse than what preceded the 2002 ceasefire. The government’s counter-insur- gency campaign is more brutal
5 Analysis
and indiscriminate, the terror and criminal activities of its Tamil proxy forces more extensive and blatant, and the role of chauvinis- tic Sinhala ideologues in govern- ment more pronounced. The suspected involvement of pro-government forces in the assassinations of Tamil politicians is particularly disturbing. The Tigers have fully militarised life in areas under their control and returned to brutal attacks on Sinhalese civilians, intent on provoking even worse retaliation. As unpromising as present circumstances are, the govern- ment should be alert to any opportunities that arise to promote a new peace process. Meanwhile, the international community needs to use its limited leverage for the time being to prevent further deteriora- tion, while developing strategies to strengthen the moderate, non-violent forces still committed to a peaceful and just settlement and to build the middle ground – significantly beyond the unitary state but far short of a separate Tamil state – that will be neces- sary if a lasting political solution is to gain traction once political conditions are better. This will require pressing the Tigers and their supporters to abandon
Turn to page 6


Page 6
6 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
J
terrorism and separatism, while simultane- ously encouraging a new consensus in the south in support of constitutional and state reforms. RECOMMENDATIONS To the Government of Sri Lanka: 1. Meet basic humanitarian needs and protect civilians from the effects of war by: (a) conducting all military operations in strict accordance with international law; (b) guaranteeing full and prompt access for UN agencies and humanitarian organisa- tions, with adequate medical supplies, to LTTE-controlled areas; and (c) defending UN agencies and interna- tional humanitarian organisations against unfounded allegations by hardline politi- cians and parties and guaranteeing the safety of all humanitarian workers, Sri Lankan and foreign. 2. Take all necessary steps to protect the fundamental human rights of all citizens, including: (a) conducting anti-terrorist operations in accordance with both domestic constitu- tional guarantees and international human rights and humanitarian law; (b) investigating fully all allegations of disappearances and killings carried out by state forces or militant groups aligned with the state and prosecuting when credible evidence is available; (c) passing through parliament a witness protection law that takes into account suggestions from civil society organisa- tions and the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP); (d) accepting the proposed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNH- CHR) office in Sri Lanka with adequate powers to monitor and report on human rights violations throughout the country; and (e) guaranteeing the protection of media personnel and investigating fully recent attacks on journalists. 3. Develop the Eastern Province equi- tably, transparently, inclusively and effectively by: (a) delaying local and provincial elections until the illegal activities of all armed groups, including the TMVP, are curtailed and adequate security for all political parties is
Sri Lanka’s return to war .
guaranteed by the police and legiti- mate security forces; (b) ending de facto military rule over large parts of the Eastern Province and ensuring that politi- cians and civil servants of all ethnicities have a major role in planning and decision making; and (c) guaranteeing full access for UN agencies and humanitarian organi- sations in the newly cleared areas. 4. Pursue vigorously political reforms that address the legitimate rights and needs of all citizens and ethnic communities in a united and democratic Sri Lanka by: (a) granting the Eastern Provincial Council, once constituted, all allowable powers under the Thir- teenth Amendment, including for police, finance, land and education; (b) publicly commiting to pursue in the near future more substantial constitutional reforms, including power-sharing at the centre; and (c) requesting the APRC to publish its proposals for constitutional reforms by the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (mid-April 2008), even if full consensus has not been reached. To the President: 5. Establish immediately the Constitutional Council and request it to nominate new members to all independent commissions. To all Political Parties: 6. Monitor closely implementation of the Thirteenth Amendment, work to ensure that maximum powers are granted to the Eastern Provincial Council once it is established after free and fair elections, and press the government to keep constitutional reform high on the agenda. To the Constituent Parties of the All-Party Representative Commit- tee (APRC):
7. Submit fi constitution power shari if necessary minority rep To the Unit 8. State pub port in parli devolution a proposals th of the unita submitted b To the Libe Eeelam (LT 9. Cease al suicide bom ment and re freedom and respect fully rights and h 10. Abando for an indep (Eelam) and to negotiate of a united S To the Inter particular Ja the U.S., In Korea and O well as the U 11. Recogn process hav (a) the Co- Donors Con the U.S. and have, as suc role; and (b) there ne cooperation and the U.S eventually d politically p 12. Strengt the governm staffed UNH monitor and tions throug

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7. Submit final proposals for constitutional reforms, including power sharing, by mid-April 2008, if necessary with majority and minority reports. To the United National Party: 8. State publicly willingness to sup- port in parliament reasonable devolution and power-sharing proposals that go beyond the limits of the unitary state, once these are submitted by the APRC. To the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eeelam (LTTE): 9. Cease all attacks on civilians, suicide bombings, forced recruit- ment and repression of media freedom and political dissent and respect fully international human rights and humanitarian law. 10. Abandon publicly the demand for an independent Tamil state (Eelam) and announce willingness to negotiate within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. To the International Community, in particular Japan, Norway, the EU, the U.S., India, Australia, South Korea and Other Asian States, as well as the United Nations: 11. Recognise that the 2002 peace process having now run its course: (a) the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donors Conference (Norway, Japan, the U.S. and the EU) no longer have, as such, a clear peacemaking role; and (b) there needs to be deepened cooperation between India, the EU and the U.S., with the goal of eventually developing a more politically powerful contact group. 12. Strengthen efforts to convince the government to accept a fully staffed UNHCHR office, able to monitor and report on rights viola- tions throughout the country.
J
13. Continue support for constitu- tional power-sharing reform to address legitimate minority griev- ances, monitor Thirteenth Amend- ment implementation and urge the APRC to submit its proposals by mid-April 2008. 14. Strengthen efforts to close down the LTTE’s global financing and supply networks. 15. Cooperate with UK authorities in gathering evidence for possible prosecution of former TMVP leader Karuna on war crimes and human rights violations charges. 16. Speak out more regularly in defence of UN agencies and inter- national humanitarian organisations and for the safety of all humanitar- ian workers, Sri Lankan and for- eign. To Donor Governments and Inter- national Financial Institutions: 17. Promote respect for the Guid- ing Principles for Humanitarian and Development Assistance agreed by donors and the Sri Lankan govern- ment in 2007 by forming a donor task force to investigate political and conflict dynamics in the Eastern Province and report publicly on the best way to ensure equity, inclusive- ness and transparency. To the United Nations Security Council Working Group on Chil- dren and Armed Conflict: 18. Recommend that the Security Council impose targeted sanctions on both the Tigers and the TMVP for continued recruitment and use of child soldiers. Colombo/Brussels, 20 February 2008


Page 7
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
T
he relief in Pakistan is palpable. The elections are over. They were not rigged. And the results have been ‘normal’ enough to raise the hope that the country is feeling its way back to democracy—at last. But is Pakistan’s long night coming to an end, or will the elections replace one set of problems with another?
In the euphoria generated by the elec- tions, most Pakistani commentators believe they have woken up to a new dawn. They believe the election results were, above all, a rejection of President Pervez Musharraf and all that he had come to stand for. Almost all of his ministers were defeated. The Pakistan Muslim League (Qaid-e- Azam), which had broken away from the parent party and joined Musharraf before the 2002 elections, was crushed. So was the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, the other component of Musharraf’s tame parlia- ment.Musharraf has now declared that he would be happy to work with an elected government and play godfather to its formation. But, judging from newspaper comments, very few people in Pakistan think he has any further role left to play. While the PPP has said it can live with him, Nawaz Sharif, whose party virtually swept Punjab, has too deep—and justi- fied—a grudge to settle for anything less
than his exit. Thus, unless the PPP can somehow cobble together a majority without the PML(N), Musharraf will have to go. All that remains therefore is to engineer an honourable exit for Musharraf, and have the new Parliament elect his replacement. In India, we too feel it every time a general election brings a new government to power. But just as our problems get prolonged, Pakistan’s too aren’t likely to end soon. In fact, some of them may only be sprouting up.
The first issue is ‘who will form the new government’. In theory, the PPP, with 87 seats, can cobble together a majority if it teams up with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and manages to bring all but a very few of the independents and ‘others’ into the government. But such a coalition would be extremely fragile because it would give too many people and entities the power to blackmail it. This would hardly provide the kind of government that Pakistan needs to meet the challenge posed by the jehadis and retain the loyalty of the army as it fights them.
The only coalition that can give Pakistan a stable government with the capacity to face these challenges is one between the PPP and the PML(N). Benazir Bhutto’s
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wakes
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death has dissipated some of the personal animosity that would have made such an alliance difficult. But it won’t still be easy for them to resolve the issues of leadership and division of portfoliosThe second problem could be the stability of the PPP itself. Asif Ali Zardari is not the most popular of men in Pakistan. In fact, it is difficult to think of someone who is more disliked and distrusted. Benazir’s son is too young to figure as an alternative. So, why should PPP leaders who kept the party going through its eight years in the wilderness hand the mantle over tamely to either of them? Parallels with the Nehru- Gandhi family are misleading: none of Pandit Nehru’s descendants earned the sobriquet of ‘Mr Ten per cent’.
Third, if Musharraf is forced out and a new president is elected, how will the resulting, wholly civilian, establishment secure the obedience, not to mention loyalty, of the army? The army has ruled the country—directly or indirectly—for most of the past 52 years. Only the hopelessly naive can expect it to get off the throne and meekly start accepting orders from whoever is sitting upon it.
This is not an abstract question about where power resides in a democratic state.
Pakistan is involved in two wars that threaten its very existence. The first is its unwilling involvement in the war against the Taliban.The second is the increasingly violent and brutal civil war against its own pro-Taliban mullahs and their flocks of jehadis. No matter how democratic the government in Islamabad is, it will need the full cooperation of the army to conduct these wars. But it is an open secret that the army regards a prolongation of the war against the Taliban as a supremely danger- ous threat to itself because of the conflict of loyalties it is generating within its Pathan soldiers and officers and the resulting tensions between them and the Punjabi component. It is difficult to see how a civilian government will be able to order it to act indefinitely against its own interest.Pakistan’s future viability, no less, will depend upon both maintaining a stable political coalition in Islamabad and a harmonious relationship between the army and the civil establishment. A civilian president may be able to do the former better, but only Musharraf can do the latter. Champions of democracy and civil rights in Pakistan would therefore do well to tone down their anti-Musharraf rhetoric and realise that far from being redundant, he may well be their best bet for ensuring stability in the future.
» Courtesy: OUTLOOK
7


Page 8
8 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
rinking a small quantity of alcohol daily, especially the wines, may be associated with an increase in life expectancy in middle-aged men.
In the Copenhagen studies, it was revealed that the French
lived a long life by enjoying a glass or two of red wine daily with their meals. Drinking water after meals is less
common among the French, and the theory that one should drink six glasses of water daily does not stand
to reason as far as the French are concerned.
Although the Americans and French have similar high fat diets, the French have a much lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. Speculation was that this is due to the protective effects of wine consumption, since French drink much more wine than water, and may be there are other explanations, too.
A new study by original “French Paradox” researcher Serge Renaud has said that there is more evidence that moderate wine consumption is associated with a significant reduction in all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease and cancer among men. The findings (Epidemiology, March, 1998) were based on a large cohort studies (cohort studies are epidemiological studies that use individuals having a statistical element in common, such as race, gender, age, etc., as opposed to a random selection of individuals. As such, the results cannot always be projected to the population as a whole.) of middle aged men in eastern France.
Dutch researchers, reporting on March 1, 2007, at The American Heart Association’s 47th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease and Prevention, found that consuming a glass or two of wine per day traced for more than 40 years was associated with a lower rate of cardiovascular death and of death from all causes, and a nearly four year increase in lifespan.
Does any alcohol benefits health? Mild to moderate consumption of any form of alcohol daily, will benefit as an all-rounder, relaxing the brain, lowering tension, stress, helping sleep, increasing the good cholesterol, and moreover an adjuvant for socialising. The added advantages of wine are that it is more protective than beer or heavy liquor according to the Annals of Internal Medicine (Vol: 133,pg.411-419). Red wines are singled out compared to the
Glass of wine passport to he
By Dr Harold Gunatillake FRCS. FACS. FIACS delves deep into the D
whites, because of the combination of alcohol and certain materials contained in the grape skin: polyphenol compounds, flavonoids, and nonflavinoids. These appear to act as antioxidants and also contains the property of dilating blood vessels, resulting in lowering the blood pressure. Proanthocyanide is a specific antioxidant present in red wine.
Health
benefits of red wine Red wine relaxes and dilates the blood vessels like Omega 3 oils, and helps improve cardiovascular condition, make healthy arteries, and benefits by lowering percentage of heart attacks among regular consumers. A new study from researchers at the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, found a mechanism for how alcohol favourably affects arterial muscle cells. According to Wilhelm Vetter, M.D., and colleagues, alcohol, when consumed around mealtime, reduces the proliferation of smooth muscle cells within the arteries. Smooth muscle cells growth is a key element in the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of blood vessels), which commonly leads to heart attacks and strokes.
Many studies investigated the benefits of red wine (one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men) and were found to lower the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by 30-50 percent. It is also suggested that alcohol such as red wine may prevent additional heart attacks if you have already suffered from one. Red wine may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits.
Professor Roger Corder, from the William Harvey Research Institute, at Queen Mary, University of London, said: “There is a 19th Century expression: ‘A man is only as old as his arteries’, which can be taken to mean that those with the healthiest arteries live longer.
Feel for your own radial artery on the outer border of the wrist and roll it under your index finger. Elastic healthy arteries feel resilient and soft, whilst
unhealthy vessels feel thick an resistant.
Heart is deprived of its oxygen reaching through the blood circulation when the arteries g thickened and get blocked up clots. In 1786, the English Do Herbeden noted that wine relie pains of patients suffering from heart pain (angina) In 1970, researches were initia by Doctor Arthur Klatsky, cardiologist at the “Kaiser Permanente”, hospital center i
Oakland (California). He
initiated a study on over 1
000 people.
The first results
were publish in 1974, a indicat the
the risk of death from coronary diseases (notable myocardial infarct) was lower for moderate consumers (1 to3 glasses of wine a day), than those who did not drink at all.
Doctor Rimm of the School of Public Health of Harvard- Cambridge- Massachusetts calculated that the risk of hear disease was reduced from 25 t 45% for people drinking 1or 2 glasses of wine a day.
Wine and Cancer Laboratory mice genetically inclined to develop cancer from food containing solid red wine extracts. A team of researchers California this research, from University of Davis –.
The result was that it took muc longer than normal for those m to develop cancer and their lif expectation increased by 40% comparison with that of mice normally fed.
Researchers attribute this resu the presence in red wine of polyphenols, in particular catechin (present in tea) and to their anti-oxidising properties, mentioned previously.
Resveratrol – anti Cancer agen A recent article in the New Yo Times said that it seems that resveratrol, present in the skin grapes, inhibits the action of agents favouring cancer.

Glass of wine passport to health
CS delves deep into the bubblie and find it a great source of health
althy vessels feel thick and ant.
t is deprived of its oxygen
ing through the blood lation when the arteries get ened and get blocked up with . In 1786, the English Doctor eden noted that wine relieved
of patients suffering from pain (angina) 70, researches were initiated octor Arthur Klatsky, ologist at the “Kaiser anente”, hospital center in land (California). He nitiated a study on over 100
000 people.
The first results
were published in 1974, and indicated
the fact that
f from ary ses (notable ardial infarct) ower for moderate
mers (1 to3 glasses of a day), than those who ot drink at all.
or Rimm of the School of c Health of Harvard- bridge- Massachusetts
lated that the risk of heart se was reduced from 25 to for people drinking 1or 2 es of wine a day.
and Cancer ratory mice genetically
ed to develop cancer from containing solid red wine cts. A team of researchers did ornia this research, from the ersity of Davis –.
esult was that it took much r than normal for those mice velop cancer and their life ctation increased by 40% in
arison with that of mice ally fed.
archers attribute this result to resence in red wine of henols, in particular hin (present in tea) and to anti-oxidising properties, as ioned previously.
eratrol – anti Cancer agent ent article in the New York s said that it seems that ratrol, present in the skin of s, inhibits the action of ts favouring cancer.
Researchers have pointed out that this chemical is converted in the body to a known anti-cancer agent that can selectively target and destroy cancer cells.
Resveratrol is manufactured in grape wines as a defensive molecule against fungus in grapes and other crops, and is found at higher levels in those which have not been treated with man made fungicides. It has a molecular structure similar to that of diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic oestrogen. This prompted Barry D.Gehn, Larry Jameson, M.D. and colleagues at North-western to investigate whether resveratrol might have pharmacological properties similar to those of oestradiol, the major natural human oestrogen. As reported in the Dec. 9 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group’s
laboratory studies showed that
resveratrol is oestrogenic.
Resveratrol against breast cancer
The researchers
also found that resveratrol could replace oestradiol in supporting the proliferation of certain breast cancer cells that require oestrogen for growth. Taking a glass of red wine daily may benefit those victims of breast cancer on long-term anti-oestrogenic medication. Statistics also show an increase in breast cancer in women who drink alcohol. This is not a significant finding. However, women who suffer from breast cancer and has a history should consult her family physician before embarking on a regime of drinking wine regularly.
The oestrogenic properties of resveratrol may play a role in the beneficial cardiovascular effects of red wine and the so-called “French paradox,” Gehm said. Oestrogen is known to provide some protection against heart disease, and red wine also appears to. Their specific effects are similar, most notably, increasing high- density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good cholesterol.” This effect of red wine may be mediated by resveratrol.
It appears that resveratrol seems to reduce the incidence of strokes and decrease the negative effects a stroke may produce in the brain. Some evidence even suggests that red wine may have a protective effect on the gall bladder.
Resveratrol for longevity Researchers have known for years that cutting calories can prolong life in everything from yeast cells to mammals. One of the molecules in resveratrol, was shown in a study to extend the life span of yeast cells by up to 80 percent. This finding will help researchers to develop a drug that lengthen life and prevent or treat aging-related diseases. Resveratrol is available in powder form in the U.S. Experiments on worms and flies given small doses of resveratrol were yielding “encouraging” results. Similar trials are being planned on mice.
Women Wine Drinkers have fewer Kidney Stones A new study from Harvard University researcher Gary Curhan and colleagues, using more than 81,000 women participants drawn from the Nurses’ Health Study, found that there was a reduction in risk up to 59% among the wine drinkers, compared to other beverages, including coffee, tea, fruit juices and milk. Curhan and colleagues reported similar results for men and kidney stones in 1996. Wine consumption was associated with highest risk reduction- 39%.
Moderate drinking cut women’s risk of Diabetes New research suggests that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may help prevent healthy postmenopausal women from developing diabetes, as heart disease. According to the report from Reuters Health, New York, women who consumed one or two drinks a day were better able to respond to insulin, a hormone that helps cells use sugar for energy.
Should I start drinking more red wine now? The answer is No. Studies have shown that alcohol drinking may increase triglycerides (fat is transported through blood vessels and stored in the body as triglycerides). These fats prevent the protective action of good cholesterol removing the bad cholesterol from the blood stream. Alcohol also adds unnecessary calories creating weight problems and further damaging the liver. So remember that prolonged excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to one’s health.
Only the rich can enjoy a glass of red wine in Sri Lanka, and live longer, whilst the poor are deprived due to the exorbitant prices. We could enjoy true democratic socialistic freedom, when every Sri Lankan, rich or poor, can afford a daily glass of red wine.


Page 9
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
S
he Her calls perception herself of twice-born.
every change as a challenge transformed her from an England-returned, anglicised, convent-educated miss in Amritsar to a theatre director crafting a new folk plus urban stylistics in mother tongue Punjabi. “To get into theatre was in itself a somersault for me. Doing Punjabi theatre was to do cartwheels.”
Establishing serious theatre in the language of “truck drivers, clowns and dhabawalas” to winning national and international acclaim took over two decades. When she founded her Company Theatre in Chandigarh (1984), Punjabi was still disdained by the elitist class of Sikhs and the Hindus had opted for Hindi. Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry used her circular journey from her home town to the big metros and back again to become one of the finest theatre directors in contemporary India. Memorable productions include “Kitchen Katha”, “An Unposted Love Letter” and “Nagamandala”. Just when critics noted repetition and creative exhaustion, Neelam came up with an eerily haunting “The Suit”(2007).
Nothing in her background guided her career choice. Her reformist forefathers conducted the first widow remarriage in Punjab. Her progressive, science-inclined family was headed by a liberal doctor-father. Hopeless at physics and maths (“I still can’t figure out how a plus b equals c!”) young Neelam read, painted and dreamt of becoming a nun. Finding herself at sea in the premedical course, she opted for history and psychology. A pulse quickened when she studied art history.
Neelam’s hand went up in class when thespian Balwant Gargi asked if anyone wanted to act in a Genet play. “I opened the script and got a new life,” she says. Around that time the legendary theatre director Ebrahim Alkazi brought “Othello” and “Jasma Odan” from the National School of Drama (NSD) to Amritsar. As a backstage volunteer, the small- town girl saw for the first time backslapping informality between the sexes. In her milieu, girls ended up as homemakers and mothers. Words like individual satisfaction and self identity were unknown. An unusual, even frightening, step for a girl from an artistically decontextualised background took Neelam to NSD.
The course was complex, traumatising. Ignorance of Hindi meant being stuck with peripheral roles. She began to learn by observation, if not by participation. Frail Alkazi seemed a Colossus. “I wanted to enter his mind. He was a master of crowd scenes, compositions, design,
structure”. “Razia Sultan”, “Look Back in Anger”, “Tughlaq” were all heady stuff.
Just when critics noted repetition and creative exhaustion, Neelam came up with an eerily haunting “The Suit” (2007). A scene from the play. At NSD, she understood that theatre was not just performance, but paring and examining layers of traditions, innovations, politics, socio- economic structures, histories, cultures, rituals, as well as individual genius, and radical departures from them all. If Shivarama Karanth came to demonstrate and teach Yakshagana techniques, it also
meant learning about North Kanara political history. Performance emerged out of these diverse currents and subcultures. A Kabuki course at NSD also meant exposure to a range of subjects from the Japanese tea ceremony to Akira Kurosawa’s films.
The urge to get away from her small-town home influenced Neelam to marry a man from Bombay (Mumbai). The arranged marriage worked well – little conflict, mutual respect, and acceptance of each other’s differences. The city delivered all its promise. NSD seniors Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri joined Neelam to form Majma. In five years of life, the theatre group inaugurated Prithvi Theatre, did major plays like “Uddhwasth Dharmshala” and Strindberg’s “Miss Julie” with Neelam and Om Puri in the lead. In-house acting, production and direction spelt a creative high.
REStORiNG lOSt vO
Neelam Mansingh crafts a new folk plus urban stylistics in mother tongue Punjabi.
O of Neelam memorable producti is “Nagamandala”. Karanth “taught me fantastic intangible things – like confidence, hard work, putting companies together, dealing w diverse people, the significanc colourful moorings, the enchantment of improvising. H taught me that in theatre you m speak as if you are singing, an sing as if you are speaking.”
Bhopal, in its high tide of mul pronged creative experiments, proved headier than Bombay. Neelam learnt how the arts we allied, interlinked. “I’d make s for Peter Brooks, Ravi Shanka played in my house, Mallikarj Mansur sang on the terrace, Swaminathan dropped in for a chat... Everyone discussed ev issue on earth, loudly, freely.”
The Bharat Bhavan dream wa soon to turn into a dystopian disaster, and Neelam was shattered at having to leave th centre and follow her husband now transferred to Chandigarh town she hated. Karanth advis her: “Work with local actors, l energies, hamein bhoolke kaam karna, forget this way of doin things and find your way.”
Despite hostility to her efforts Neelam cobbled together a gro and started working, desultori first. Then she discovered that

9
One of Neelam’s memorable productions is “Nagamandala”. nth “taught me fantastic gible things – like dence, hard work, putting
anies together, dealing with se people, the significance of rful moorings, the antment of improvising. He
t me that in theatre you must
as if you are singing, and as if you are speaking.”
al, in its high tide of multi- ged creative experiments, ed headier than Bombay. am learnt how the arts were
, interlinked. “I’d make soup eter Brooks, Ravi Shankar d in my house, Mallikarjun sur sang on the terrace,
inathan dropped in for a
Everyone discussed every on earth, loudly, freely.”
harat Bhavan dream was to turn into a dystopian ter, and Neelam was ered at having to leave the e and follow her husband, transferred to Chandigarh, a she hated. Karanth advised Work with local actors, local ies, hamein bhoolke kaam a, forget this way of doing
s and find your way.”
ite hostility to her efforts, am cobbled together a group tarted working, desultorily at Then she discovered that
THEATRE EStORiNG lOSt vOicES
BY GOWRI RAMNARAYAN PHOTOGRAPHS: BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
working in a city without history,
voices. ritual and reference points meant that she could forge her own
The 1984 riots intensified the history, create any theatre she
histories of vendetta and wanted. The fact that people had
alienation. Neelam’s choice of teased her in Bhopal, “You’re going to Punjab! You’ll come
touring with a Bhangra
Punjabi for her theatre – she had to learn the language in the process – became a radical group!” spurred her on to
political statement against prove that Punjab had
divisive forces. Working with more than Bhangra,
rejected “low brow” folk forms, virile as it was.
she created an audience of Sikhs and Hindus sitting together. “If She found the
somewhere, somehow they visceral, masculine
recognised their shared histories Ghatka, the martial
and language, I feel it’s a arts of the big-
contribution.” Today every new turbaned, yellow-
play of Neelam’s Company blue robed
Theatre has as many people Nihangs,
waiting outside to get in as those descendants of
inside the theatre. However, the leading
higher aesthetic standards and group in the
widening audiences in no way procession of
mean financial security for her Guru Gobind
theatre. Singh’s army. Her first play in Chandigarh, based on
What makes Neelam’s theatre Kurosawa’s Rashomon, had actors training in this genre. “I faced police inquiry because they thought I was training terrorists.”
stand out? Energy? Earthy strength? A no-nonsense attitude towards life? A feeling for fellow humans, for the beauty and She continued working in a city
fragility of life? There are other of conflicts. Evening curfews
directors who share these meant passing through metal
attributes. Her feeling for detectors and locked colony gates
literature is obvious, even in the for afternoon rehearsals.
plays which are not based on literary texts. She avoids wordy Without realising it Neelam
texts, but brings to her work the plunged into a process of
echoic quality of fine literature. exploration that was going to be a political act: of assertion,
At her best, she evokes subtleties, resistance, recovering lost
communitarian values. “I repeated the Bhopal experiment with the rich,
giving glimpses of what is below the surface, framing feelings infelt, indwelling. There are emotions here that both her living but marginalised
characters and audiences are wary traditions of Punjab. I was
of touching, seizing, even entering my own mythic
examining. She does not world, the cultural, emotional
manipulate responses, but leaves memories of the State. I unlocked what was dormant in my unconscious. Hadn’t I
it to viewers to decide just how deep they wish to go into themselves in response. grown up hearing Kabir and Farid in gurdwaras? There’s no caste, gender or creed barrier in the Guru Granth Sahib.”
Ask Neelam if it is worth doing theatre in India and she will sigh: “Sometimes I ask myself this question. Twenty-two years of In “THE SUIT” Neelam uses all
work and a core group of 20 her favourite images - water,
strong loyal artists and I still don’t fire and smoke from the stove,
make a living out of theatre. No bathing, food in a tiffin box, and lipstick. But they are fitted into a master plan of menacing control. Using Dadhis, or Sufi balladeers, Mansingh crafts a
plus urban in mother tongue
website, office, administrator, manager. It remains a one-woman show. Living in Chandigarh, I’m outside the loop of visibility, funding, publicity.”
in producing the Sufi love story
COURTESY: THE FRONTLINE “Heer Ranjha”, was to write down the oral text preserved by these Muslim minstrels. She stirred up a hornets’ nest with her choice of lines where Heer openly flouts the authority of her father and forefathers. This was no modern feminist intervention, but from author Waris Shah’s own text, long muffled in popular memory in order to uphold the patriarchal stereotype of feminine meekness. The public furore rose from fear. Neelam learnt the power of the theatre to restore lost


Page 10
10 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008 De-merger enables cent to devolve more power
BY RAJIVA WIJESINHA
government and the authority of the
that it will g provinces. The different provinces should
discuss whe The All Party Representative Committee (APRC) recently presented interim proposals to provide a solution to the problems in the North and East of the country. The government has accepted these proposals, which were signed by thirteen political parties, making clear that a majority of the democratically elected representatives of the people of this country agree with these proposals. The special characteristic of these proposals is the ability to implement them without looking for any amendment of the constitu- tion. Clearly a political solution is essential for the prevailing national problem, which began with political questions. A solution should be achieved not through the division of the country but through the devolution of power. By devolution is meant a system that will empower the public to make decisions about matters that affect it closely. But, in facilitating this, we need to pay attention to a prevalent fear, that devolution could lead to a division of the country. The 13th amendment, which was passed twenty years ago, will not rouse such a fear, but earlier it was difficult to assert how effective it was since the LTTE had been against it from the start. However the need to give the LTTE a decisive voice passed with the abrogation of the Ceasefire Agreement that was signed with the LTTE, so now we now have an opportunity to implement the 13th amend- ment. In that sense the country obtained much greater freedom with regard to moving towards a solution with the abrogation of this Agreement. In 1987 the 13th amendment to the constitution was passed in accordance with the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement. It was accepted by all minority parties, including initially the LTTE, though they soon rejected it and fell out with India. Because at that stage the Sri Lankan government got close to the LTTE, even though subse- quently the LTTE returned to war against the Sri Lankan government too, the view point was created that a problem which in reality involves a multitude of stakeholders was essentially between the government and the LTTE. So, for a solution to work, it was thought that it had to be acceptable to both the government and the LTTE. This approach was reinforced by the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement, which in effect sidelined the other Tamil political parties, for whom there was no place in the peace process. A close look at the 13th amendment shows the opportunities for the general public to fulfil their needs through the decentraliza- tion of power. The powers available in this regard can extend to most things, though of course there will be particular things under the central government, as is the common situation in any country whatever its system of government. Thus security issues, involving not only defence but also for instance foreign policy, or financial security through monetary policy, or legal security, will not be centralized. The 13th amendment however had not two sets of powers, but three. Two of these, obviously, were the authority of the central
have been able to use these latter powers,
additions to but in some cases some confusion was
earlier, muc introduced. For instance, with regard to
regulations, education, that is supposed to be a matter
tion that req for the provinces. But there is an exception
some cases in the form of National Schools. This
nation by th should have been a minor exception,
in areas wh because at the time the 13th Amendment
have better was introduced there were few National
the situation Schools. But because there were no clear
might be re guidelines on what exactly a National
police powe School was, several central government
to Province Education Ministers in turn created
there are alr National Schools, in their own electoral
amendment areas for instance, so that they could
so as to ens interfere with regard to appointments and
that prevail admissions and so on. So if the government
introduced agrees to fully implement the 13th amend-
And that is ment, it should make sure that this sort of
it needs to. mechanism, to increase central interference
already eme in what are recognized as areas of provin-
are in the pr cial authority, is stopped.
need a two Another area where some clarification
they are to b would help the full implementation of the
will be diffi 13th amendment is that of the concurrent
the general list, subjects where authority belongs both
Sri Lanka. W to the central government and to the
tion under i province. In theory both can exercise
indicated th powers but, since the central government
further mea will be superior to the province, most
them, in on provinces have done nothing in these areas,
proposals in for fear that they would be countermanded.
they gave to So here too the government can make
That is why clear, by regulation, that in most if not all
confidence, these areas, it will leave decisions and
be problem necessary regulations to the provinces.
Provincial C It will be easier for the central government
based admi to give up power with regard to most areas,
East and the because one important reason to fear
acting on be devolution is no longer relevant. We should
knowledge remember that a huge problem was created
security con when the 13th amendment was introduced
will underst because of the merger of the Northern and
massive pro the Eastern Provinces. This was done in a
power. It w very underhand manner. Though the
areas in wh official position was that the President
to seek the could proclaim such a merger when arms
parliament had been surrendered, that was changed,
effective de simply through a Gazette notification, to
powers may the power to do that when he was satisfied
much more that the process of laying down arms had
Obviously n begun. As you know, J R Jayewardene
the present could proclaim himself satisfied with
criticisms h anything, so he went ahead with the merger
those who t even though violence was increasing.
much away In addition, the merger was supposed to be
too little, it subject to a referendum, to be held within a
approach w year, but that referendum was postponed
the most pr for nearly twenty years. Because of all this
governmen maneuvering, the positive benefits to
or dissatisfy people of devolution were forgotten, and
to provide a the impression developed that the 13th
betterment amendment was all about encouraging the
Another cri idea of a distinct homeland within Sri
are not thos Lanka, in two provinces that were given
of the Presi special treatment.
but one of t Last year however these two provinces
proposals, t were separated following a court case, and
sense. Certa this means that there is much less fear
openly, requ about what devolution means. That also,
that could b like the abrogation of the Ceasefire
was left ope Agreement, has meant that we could look
comprehens with fresh eyes at the Provincial Council
The APRC system, which had otherwise been allowed
that the mo to degenerate.
would take At the same time, the APRC has indicated
strenuously

Political Opionion ger enables centre lve more power
the
that it will go on with its work, and will
consensus document for immediate action s should
discuss whether there is need of further
in the interim. powers,
additions to the system. As mentioned
It is then argued that the APRC need not n was
earlier, much of this could be done through
have taken 1.5 years to present such ard to
regulations, or sometimes through legisla-
proposals. However, since previously the a matter
tion that requires a simple majority. In
assumption was that they had to prepare exception
some cases all it will involve is a determi-
proposals to be later discussed with the This
nation by the Minister not to get involved
LTTE, they could not think of the 13th ion,
in areas where Provincial Councils might
Amendment as a starting point. With the ndment
have better understanding of the realities of
sustained refusal of the LTTE to negotiate, ational
the situation. Similarly, where safeguards
and the spate of terror that finally prompted no clear
might be required, as for instance with
abrogation of the CFA, the APRC could ional
police powers, which by and large belong
think beyond the box in which they had rnment
to Provinces under the 13th amendment,
been confined. Thus liberated, they can ed
there are already some restrictions in that
also go on to other measures as indicated ectoral
amendment, which could easily be clarified
above. uld
so as to ensure that the type of suspicion
Yet another criticism is that these are not ents and
that prevailed when the system was first
the proposals of all parties, and that the overnment
introduced in the eighties will not arise.
parties involved in discussions are support- h amend-
And that is how the APRC can go further if
ers of the government. It is true that many is sort of
it needs to. Some of the ideas that have
of them are, but this takes no account of terference
already emerged in discussion, and which
the fact that they have widely divergent f provin-
are in the process of being finalized, may
views on the ethnic question, and it is need a two thirds majority of parliament if
therefore an achievement that they have ation
they are to be implemented. Obtaining that
reached consensus on so many issues on of the
will be difficult for the government, given
concerning which there were many ncurrent
the general intransigence of oppositions in
differences in the past. Of course it is true ngs both
Sri Lanka. We know that twice the opposi-
that the two largest parties in the opposi- the
tion under its present leadership, having
tion, the UNP and the JVP, no longer cise
indicated that it was willing to support
participate, but they were involved initially ernment
further measures of devolution, opposed
and have been asked for their views. ost
them, in one case even burning the draft
Certainly you cannot change the name of hese areas,
proposals in parliament on the grounds that
the group simply because some of the ermanded.
they gave too much power to minorities.
parties have walked out. And given the ake
That is why it is necessary to build up
very different approaches of the two groups if not all
confidence, and show that there need not
that did walk out, it is clear that the current s and
be problems if power is devolved. If
APRC proposals represent a consensus of inces.
Provincial Councils, or even Province
the centre - which is doubtless what would vernment
based administrations, especially in the
have emerged had those two parties stayed ost areas,
East and the North, function productively,
in and been inclined to try to achieve fear
acting on behalf of people through close
consensus. We should
knowledge without in any way affecting
Of course it is true that the TNA was not as created
security considerations, the country at large
involved, but that was because their troduced
will understand that there will be no
approach was similar to that of the LTTE, thern and
massive problems because of devolution of
with whom it was assumed any APRC one in a
power. It will then be easier, with regard to
proposal would need to be discussed. There the
areas in which further powers are desirable,
was thus no point in engaging in the same ident
to seek the two thirds majority required in
discussion twice. Later, as LTTE intransi- en arms
parliament for change. But, similarly,
gence became clear, the TNA were asked hanged,
effective devolution on the basis of current
for their views, but they have not cooper- tion, to
powers may make it clear to many that not
ated because they are basically in thrall to satisfied
much more is needed.
the LTTE. Certainly when we have tried to rms had
Obviously not everyone is satisfied with
interest them in discussions on other rdene
the present proposal. However, given that
aspects of constitutional reform, for with
criticisms have been equally harsh from
instance reinforcing the power of the the merger
those who think the proposal gives too
provinces at the centre through a second sing.
much away, and those who think it gives
chamber, they have reiterated that the osed to be
too little, it would seem that this moderate
devolution question needed to be settled in ld within a
approach will be the least contentious and
terms of LTTE dogma before anything stponed
the most productive at this stage. The
further could be discussed. of all this
government after all is not here to satisfy
We cannot, as said above, forget the role of ts to ten, and 13th aging the n Sri
Turn to page 14 or dissatisfy one side or the other, it needs to provide a practical solution for the betterment of the whole country. Another criticism was that the proposals are not those of the APRC, but rather those
the LTTE in ensuring that the 13th Amendment could not be properly implemented, in particular in Provinces where minorities are e given
of the President. As mentioned, since all
dominant, for which it was mainly
inces case, and
fear at also,
but one of the APRC parties signed the proposals, this criticism does not make sense. Certainly the President did, quite openly, request them to expedite proposals that could be promptly implemented, but it
intended. Though people claim the 13th Amendment has been unsuc- cessful, as you know the first and only Provincial Council for the re
was left open to them also to present more
North and East took office in the uld look
comprehensive proposals at the same time. Council
The APRC membership decided however n allowed
that the more comprehensive proposals would take longer, and so they worked indicated
strenuously over two weeks to produce a
midst of a war, a war fought by the LTTE against the Indian army which was acting at the behest of the Sri Lankan President. Then a


Page 11
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
A poetic adaptation of Monica Ali’s award winning book, BRICK LANE tells the powerful story of one woman’s journey from childhood in Bangladesh to East London – through a marriage, a family and finally to herself. At the tender age of seventeen, Nazneen’s life is turned upside down. After an arranged marriage to an older man, she exchanges her Bangladeshi village home for a block of flats in London’s East End. In this new world, pining for
Bricklane: a journey of a sou
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cultural difference, and ultimately, the strength of the human spirit. Brick Lane will be released 20 March 2008 in Australia.
11


Page 12
12 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
Australian Tour April 4 - 16 Melbourne ~ Brisbane ~ Gold Coast ~ Sydney
FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER FOR RETREATS ONLINE:
Melbourne Free Public Program April 4, 5 & 8 Friday 4 & Saturday 5 ~ 10am & 7.30pm Tuesday April 8 ~ Devi Bhava* 7pm * World Peace Program Sandown Racecourse, Multi Purpose Room Princes Hwy, Springvale
Retreat April 6-8 (by pre-registration only) Enquiries (03) 9782 9927 melbourne@ammaaustralia.org.au
Sydney Free Publ
April 15 & Tuesday 15 10am & 7.3 Wednesda 10am & De * World Pe Sydney Bo Gate 2, Cle Surry Hills, Enquiries ( sydney@amm
Y
ou consist are invited of inspirational to attend talks, FREE music public and programs meditation,
that
with the unique opportunity to meet Amma personally and receive her individual blessing. Numbered tokens for blessings will begin to be handed
out one hour before each program starts.
Brisbane Free Public Program April 10 Thursday 10 ~ 10am & 7.30pm RNA Exhibition Grounds Walter Burnett Building Gregory Tce, Fortitude Valley Food and beverages available from 90 minutes before each program. Enquiries (07) 3715 8278 brisbane@ammaaustralia.org.au
Gold Coast Free Public Program April 13 Sunday 13 ~ Devi Bhava* 7pm * World Peace Program Tallebudgera Outdoor Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Retreat April 11-13 (by pre-registration only) Enquiries (07) 5525 1793 goldcoast@ammaaustralia.org.au
“The sense o
bein

ril 4 - 16
~ Sydney
Sydney st
Free Public Program
April 15 & 16 Tuesday 15 ~ 10am & 7.30pm Wednesday 16 ~ 10am & Devi Bhava* 7pm
ach
* World Peace Program Sydney Boys High School Gate 2, Cleveland St, Surry Hills, Sydney Enquiries (02) 9590 7935 sydney@ammaaustralia.org.au 1793 rg.au
, d
“The sense of being welcomed and loved, despite being a complete stranger, was amazing.”
~ BBC News


Page 13
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008

13


Page 14
14 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
Amma embracing pe
Australia Tour: April 4-16, 2008
new President took the side of the LTTE, and was opposed to the North-East Provincial Council administration, which the LTTE thought was supporting the Indians. The suspicions grew so intense that the Chief Minister tried to declare independence and the President dissolved the Council. The LTTE was delighted, but then, with the Indian army gone and its opponents, the former Tamil militants who had taken up a democratic approach, in total disarray, it turned its violence on the government. Obviously then, it makes sense, particularly now that the Eastern Province is largely free of the LTTE, to try out the Provincial Council system again. The govern- ment is in any case determined to restore democracy there, and the local elections that are scheduled for next month are the first step in this direction. With more involve- ment in democracy for former militants, just as happened in 1987, we can hope that the bulk of the Tamil people will realize that choosing their representatives freely is their best hope. Assuming we can then move on to Provincial Council elections, the people will realize that the powers already available can be very productive if properly used. We know that many Chief Ministers were unable or unwilling to use their powers even in the rest of the country, but we cannot forget the example for instance of Mr Jayaw- ickrema Perera in the North-west Province, who created in a sense the
Born in a poor fishing village in Kerala, South In Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi) has risen to beco a beacon of light in the humanitarian world. Recen Amma’s charitable organization donated an incred AU$43 million in relief for the Asian Tsunami, single largest pledge by any non-governm organization. The charitable organisation that Am founded, known as the M.A. Math, has been organis a staggering array of aid and relief efforts for m years. In India M.A. Math builds houses, scho hospitals and hospices for the poor, provides pensi for the destitute, takes care of orphans, and provi aid for the victims of earthquakes, floods and o natural disasters. In 2002, over 30 years of selfless service to huma were recognised by the international community w Amma was awarded the prestigious Gandhi-K Award for Non-Violence at the UN Headquarters Geneva. Amma has travelled the world for the past 21 ye providing inspiration and imparting her blessing people of all races, religions and walks of life. Descri
Demerger enables . . . .
brand name Wayamba during his period as Chief Minister. The Province developed rapidly because he was willing to use the powers available, Kurunegala began to become a metropolis, and he showed that much can be done under current legislation. If an administration with his sort of vision and energy comes to the East, if despite current difficulties a similar administration under a Governor, but involving people of the area, comes to the North, the people of those areas will realize that most of what they want, in terms of autonomy, decision making powers, developmental initiatives, are already available. There are objections to the sugges- tion to have an interim Council for the North, on the grounds that this was denied to the LTTE. But re- member that what is proposed is under the Constitution, ie the Governor will continue to exercise powers, and this will be an Advi- sory Council. Since it will consist of a range of people from the area it will be able to advise in the interests of the Province - whereas what the LTTE wanted was full powers for itself, with control also of all Pradeshiya Sabhas, whatever their ethnic composition. That would have been a basis for totalitarian- ism, especially with a merged North-East, whereas what is pro- posed here is a more pluralistic dispensation, with power sharing within the Province, the Governor being the final authority until it is possible to hold elections.
It should be TNA will w process, it c sometimes c that they - a sole represe people. Tho won a plura the last elec bered that a the election the Europea of their own that election not be appro was the LTT situation du and it is tho occasion wh allowing the franchise in So we see n tions and di elections in conducted r fact the only far are of TM those the LT making clea aspirations. Meanwhile continue wi building iss recruitment police. Thou about the m this governm years to act action and e Fortunately reduced, Ta willing to a ened that th

Amma embracing peace
llage in Kerala, South India,
by Deepak Chopra as ‘a living Saint’, Amma’s unique damayi) has risen to become
gift is to personally hug everyone who comes to see manitarian world. Recently,
her. It is estimated Amma has now hugged over 25 zation donated an incredible
million people worldwide, regularly spending over 18 for the Asian Tsunami, the
hours a day and sometimes hugging in excess of 20,000 by any non-government
people in a single session. Through this simple act, ble organisation that Amma
Amma clearly demonstrates her message to the world: A. Math, has been organising
the need for compassion, love, and the acceptance of and relief efforts for many
all beings in the world as our spiritual brothers and ath builds houses, schools,
sisters. the poor, provides pensions
Amma does not charge admission to her public re of orphans, and provides
programs, making them completely free. Numbered rthquakes, floods and other
tokens for blessings begin to be handed out about one hour before each public program starts. selfless service to humanity ternational community when
Amma will be touring Australia from April 4th -16th e prestigious Gandhi-King
2008, giving free public programs in Melbourne, at the UN Headquarters in
Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sydney.
world for the past 21 years
For more information visit www.ammaaustralia. imparting her blessing to
org.au s and walks of life. Described
s . . . .
ring his The ly because powers an to he done If an rt of to the ficulties a der a
eople of rth, the realize nt, in ion making
itiatives,
e sugges- uncil for that this But re- osed is the exercise n Advi- l consist
the area it he interests what the wers for
all ver their would litarian- rged t is pro- alistic sharing
overnor ntil it is .
It should be noted that, while the TNA will we hope assist in this process, it cannot have full power as sometimes claimed on the grounds that they - and/or the LTTE - are the sole representatives of the Tamil people. Though they claim they won a plurality of Tamil support at the last election, it must be remem- bered that all observers ruled that the election was fraudulent. In fact the European Union cites the report of their own observers in saying that elections in the East now would not be appropriate, forgetting that it was the LTTE that oversaw the situation during the 2004 election, and it is those elected on that occasion who are now most against allowing the people to exercise their franchise in a more genuine manner. So we see now that, despite allega- tions and dire predictions, the elections in the East are being conducted relatively peacefully - in fact the only deaths recorded thus far are of TMVP candidates, ie of those the LTTE wants to prevent making clear their democratic aspirations. Meanwhile the government will continue with other confidence building issues, including concerted recruitment of Tamils into the police. Though there is much talk about the majoritarian tendencies of this government, it is the first in years to actually take practical action and ensure such recruitment. Fortunately, with the LTTE threat reduced, Tamil youngsters are willing to apply, no longer fright- ened that they would be treated as
traitors if they join the national security forces. In addition, efforts to increase knowledge of the Tamil language amongst security person- nel have been redoubled. Sadly, many donors who claim to want peace continue to give heaps of money to organizations in Colombo which talk about peace, instead of helping with language training and other essentials. I think all this makes it clear that, while continuing the struggle against terrorism, the government is committed to a political solution to our problems. It is absurd that, when the CFA was abrogated, critics said this proved the govern- ment was not interested in a politi- cal solution. Then, when the gov- ernment began to work on a political solution through the APRC proposals, those same critics said this proves the government wants to impose its own wishes. They do not see the contradiction in their sug- gesting that this is a political solu- tion the government wants, however different it is from the sort of political solution they might want, and their equally loud claim that the government is not interested in a political solution. But it is clear that such critics will say anything. What is important is that the government should not be deterred from taking action in all relevant areas as described above, so that we can move towards a sustained peace. Adapted from an interview that appeared in the Lankadeepa on February 12th 2008


Page 15
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008 Splash of creativity
from Indian street kids
Madhur Tankha
They may have created appealing visuals with their favourite colours on paper, but when they were asked by the famous hotel chain Nirula’s to give a new look to its Defence Colony restaurant here, the joy of the children of the Salaam Baalak Trust knew no bounds.
Basing their mural on the subject “Rights of the Child”, the children ranging
Glowing tribute to Kapruka
The CEO and General Manager of the People’s Bank Sri Lanka, Mr. Asoka de Silva and Senior Deputy General Manager, Mr. Vasantha Kumar visited Melbourne recently to award the winners of the Most Remittances competition held by Kapruka Pty Ltd. The awards ceremony was held on 13th January 2008.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. de Silva stated that People’s Bank was established in 1961 to serve the ordinary people of Sri Lanka. This is what they have achieved over the years with the largest network of over 600 branches throughout the island including “uncleared areas”.
Mr. Vasantha Kumar, in his address mentioned that overseas remittances is the second larges income earner for Sri Lanka and it is taken very seriously, It is calculated that more than 70% of inward remittances from a country like Italy comes via unofficial channels thus denying the country of a sizeable income. Monies remitted via such unofficial channels are used to finance terrorism and for money laundering purposes. “Kapruka is doing a very good job for us” said Mr.
Sri Lanka celebrated its 60th Independence Day on the 4th of February 2008. Many dignitaries were present to mark the occassion. In the picture are Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, A.C., Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Australian, K Balapatabendi, and Victorian premier John Brumby.
Pic: Johan Jayasinha SNNI
in age from five years to 15 gave an insight into their thought process through their paintings on the wall of the restaurant.
For getting a chance to colour the wall and sensitise people about their rights, the children must thank film-maker Mira Nair, who after winning acclaim at home and overseas for her film “Salaam Bombay” -- based on the lives of street and working children -- formed the non-
Kumar.
Mr. Asoka de Silva, presented two return air ticke Colombo to the winner, Mr. Lakshman Gunese of the Kapruka Remittances Competition.
Managing Director, Kapruka Pty Ltd, Mr, Ko Jayasinghe, thanked the People’s Bank and their at the Overseas Customer Unit for their effi service and the loyal Kapruka customers, assis and well wishers for their support over the past e years.
government organisat
The Salaam Baalak Tru established in 1988 ca to the needs of over 5 street children every y besides providing a su network for their med and educational backin
For Nirula’s this is not first such sponsored e Four years ago, the company had given lit ones from the Salaam Baalak Trust a chance paint the wall of its

15 reativity n street kids
vernment organisation.
e Salaam Baalak Trust tablished in 1988 caters the needs of over 5,000 reet children every year,
sides providing a support twork for their medical d educational backing.
r Nirula’s this is not its st such sponsored event. ur years ago, the mpany had given little es from the Salaam alak Trust a chance to int the wall of its
RED CROSS AUSTRALIA BRINGS PEACE AND
the 4th of February ccassion. In the picture
er, A.C., Sri Lankan i, and Victorian premier
ute to Kapruka
sented two return air tickets to r, Mr. Lakshman Gunesekera nces Competition.
apruka Pty Ltd, Mr, Kosala People’s Bank and their staff mer Unit for their efficient apruka customers, assistants eir support over the past eight
Quintus de Zylva
RED CROSS AUSTRALIA has supported the Aus- tralia Sri Lanka Medical Aid Team in our work at several clinics and hospitals throughout Sri Lanka.
The pictures show a child in the paediatric ward of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital Galle - asleep with an Australian Red Cross soft toy beside her. And the look of encouragement on the face of a mother and child at the Foundation of Goodness Seenigama where AuSL- MAT saw more than two hundred patients on Sunday 6th January.
We are grateful to Red Cross Australia for the bags of soft toys that are delivered to Moorabbin prior to each of our trips to Sri Lanka.
AuSLMAT will make it’s 15th post-tsunami trip to SL later in the year and will be pleased to carry toys, books and clothing to these children in the hope that some peace and tranquility will come in to their lives.


Page 16
16 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
Killer gets 10 years A MAN who killed his secret wife after an argument that began on the evening of her 19th
Comm
Vic birthday has been sentenced to 10 years’ jail. Amitesh Bali Jagroop, 25, will serve a minimum term of seven years’ prison for pushing his wife Nileshni Singh who fell and hit her head on the pavement near their Lynbrook home. Jagroop then dragged his wife’s body to a nearby creek where she was found face down in the water on June 10, 2006. She died from upper airway obstruction and a head injury. The court heard Jagroop and Singh had married in Fiji a year before her death, then travelled to Australia where Singh was portrayed as “simply a girlfriend’’ when she moved in with her husband’s friend. In March 2006 problems emerged between the couple and Singh applied to Dandenong
Association of Indian Origin Tamils of Sri Lanka (Aust) Inc. has been formed in Victoria to represent the people of Indian origin Tamils of Sri Lanka living permanently in Victoria, Australia. The Association will bring the community of Indian origin Tamils of Sri Lanka living in Victoria together and keep the younger generation in touch with their culture and traditions. . For information regarding membership, etc. please contact the following:
Secretary: Mr Pushparaj, Phone: 0410 679 979 President: Mr Selvaraj, Phone: 0420414227, e-mail: selvaraj@iprimus.com.au
Indian Origin Tamils of Sri Lanka (Aust) Inc.
Magistrates’ Court for an intervention order against her husband after he applied physical for to her. Shortly afterwards the pair reconciled and Singh moved into Jagroop’s parents’ home where she was introduced as a friend in need of a place to stay. On the evening of her 19th birthday Jagroop collected his wife from work and the pair went home. They began to fight over a mobile phone and Singh picked up her handbag and said she was leaving, prompting her husband to go after her. Justice Teague said Singh’s mother, father and tw sisters had suffered greatly from her death. He said Jagroop, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, had shown some remorse and an acceptance of responsibility for the death of his wife.
WE WIL ACCEPT CASES O IF THER A REAL CHANC SUCCES

s 10 years Community awards
Victor Melder
nc.
a (Aust) he g ation
of Sri younger tions. . ease
9 e-mail:
an intervention order er he applied physical force
pair reconciled and Singh arents’ home where she nd in need of a place to
9th birthday Jagroop work and the pair went
r a mobile phone and ndbag and said she was husband to go after her. gh’s mother, father and two atly from her death. leaded guilty to
n some remorse and an ility for the death of his
WE WILL ACCEPT CASES ONLY IF THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OF SUCCESS
AUST MIGRATION & SETTLEMENT SERVICES
THINKING OF MIGRATION OR BRINGING YOUR RELATIVES TO AUSTRALIA? TALK TO US
SKILLED MIGRATION/ONSHORE STU- DENTS/SPOUSE/FAMILY SPONSORED/ BUSINESS/STNI/SIR AND MRT CASES
CALL EDWARD OR SUSAN REGD MIG AGENTS: 0004935 & 0100058 MEMBERS OF MIGRATION INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA 1046 & 1229
Pic: SNNI


Page 17
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
SHREE SANATAN DHARAM SOCIETY OF VIC
88 PRINCESS HIGHWAY, DAN
Presents FAAG SAMMELAN on Saturday 15th March, 2 at Doveton Secondary Coll 64 Box Street, Doveton, from
Entry Free (Donations Welco
All Faag Mandalis are invited to Please confirm your attendance to Secretary Mohan Sing
*************************** The Society will also celeb Festival of Holi (Rang Uts on Saturday 22nd March, 2 at Jane Wilson Community C 1 Halton Road, Noble Park from (Please bring Abeer and Gulaal
Holika Dahan (Burning of Ho will held on Friday 21st March at Sa 88 Princess Highway, Dandenong after Sunset followed by
Come along with your family and friends to celebrate
For further information con Ganesh Prasad: 04028287 Mohan Singh : 04031716 Hemant Sharma: 04040623
vOj;jhsu; tpoh 2008 writer
fUj;juq;F fz;fhl;rp Ehy;ntspAPL gl;bkd
rpl;dp N`hk;G]; Mz;fs
26-04-2008 rdpf;fpoik fhiy 10 kzp K
mDkjp ,ytrk;
vOj;jhsu;fs;>fiy,yf;fpa Mu;tyu;fs;> gj;jpupifahsu md;gu;fs; md;Gld; mi
mT];jpNuypah jkpo; ,yf;fpa fiyr;r
AUSTRALIA TAMIL LITERARY & A

17
AM SOCIETY OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA (Inc.)
CESS HIGHWAY, DANDENONG
Presents FAAG SAMMELAN Saturday 15th March, 2008 Doveton Secondary College ox Street, Doveton, from 7pm.
ry Free (Donations Welcome)
ag Mandalis are invited to attend. to Secretary Mohan Singh on 0403171622 by 10th March.
**************************** e Society will also celebrate estival of Holi (Rang Utsav)
Saturday 22nd March, 2008 ne Wilson Community Centre, on Road, Noble Park from 11am
bring Abeer and Gulaal Powder)
ika Dahan (Burning of Holika)
Friday 21st March at Sanatan Centre, after Sunset followed by Chautaal, Jhoomar and Holi geet.
and friends to celebrate the festival of colours with us.
r further information contact anesh Prasad: 0402828772 ohan Singh : 0403171622 emant Sharma: 0404062392
; tpoh 2008 writers festival 2008
p Ehy;ntspAPL gl;bkd;wk; ftpauq;fk; fiyauq;fk;
rpl;dp N`hk;G]; Mz;fs; cau;juf;fy;Yhup
pf;fpoik fhiy 10 kzp Kjy; ,uT 10 kzptiu
mDkjp ,ytrk;
Mu;tyu;fs;> gj;jpupifahsu;fs;> nghJrd Clftpayhsu;fs;>
md;gu;fs; md;Gld; miof;fg;gLfpd;wdu;.
pah jkpo; ,yf;fpa fiyr;rq;fk; (,iz)
TAMIL LITERARY & ARTS SOCIETY (Inc)


Page 18
18 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008 tho;Tk; gzpAk; mauhky; ,aq;fpa r%fj;ji uhzp ,ypNa]
tho;e;jtu;Nfhb kiwe;jtu; Nfhb kf;fspd; kdjpy; epw;gtu; ahu;? vd;W xU ftpQu; Nfl;lhu;. ,e;jf;Nfs;tpapd; mbehjkhf xypg;gJ G+kpapy; khdpluha; gpwf;Fk; ghf;fpak;jhd;.
me;jg;ngUk;Ngw;iw mu;j;jKld; kw;wtu;fSf;Fk; gad;jUfpd;w tho;thf tho;e;J fhl;bapUg;gtu; mT];jpNuypahtpy; vk;kj;jpapy; mikjpahf ,aq;fpf;nfhz;bUf;Fk; jpUkjp uhzp ,ypNa]u; mtu;fs;.
vjpu;;;;tUk; khu;r;khjk; 86 tajpid neUq;Fk; ,e;j mk;ikahu;> G+l;lg;gps;isfisAk; ghu;j;Jtpl;l kdepiwTld; me;j ehs; epidTfis mirNghl;lthW jkJ mUikf;fztu; mkuu; Nguhrpupau; ,ypNa]u; mtu;fspd; Rarupijia vOjpf;nfhz;bUf;fpwhu;. ,sk;guhaj;jpypUe;Nj kf;fSf;F ed;ikgaf;Fk; r%fg;gzpfspy;  rpwe;j r%f Nrtfpahf kf;fs; kdjpy; cau;e;J epw;gtu;. jpUkjp uhzp ,ypNa]u; mk;ikahiu 1987 Mk; Mz;L Kjy; ed;fwpNtd;. mf;fhyg;gFjpapy; gpujp jpq;fl;fpoikNjhWk; gfy; nghOjpy; xypgug;ghFk; 3EA thndhyp jkpo; xypgug;gpy; ,tuJ Fuiy mbf;fb Nfl;bUg;gPu;fs;.
uhzp mk;ikahUk; NguhrpupaUk; mf;fhyg;gFjpapy; thndhyp fiyafj;jpw;F vd;idAk; mioj;J Ngritj;Js;sdu;. Rkhu; 20 Mz;Lfhy cwtpd; epkpj;jKk; 86 taij vl;Lk; mtupd; tho;itAk; gzpfisAk; gjpT nra;aNtz;Lk; vd;w MtypdhYk; mtiur;re;jpj;Njhk;.
vg;nghOJk; rpupj;j Kfj;Jld; Foe;ijiag;Nghd;W goFk; RghtKk; vtiuAk; taJ tpj;jpahrkpd;wp Muj;jOtp md;G ghuhl;Lk; ,ay;Gk; mtUf;Nf cupj;jhd jdpj;Jtkhd ,dpagz;Gfs;.
mtUf;F kpfTk; gpbj;jkhd ghly; -G+kpapy; khdpl n[d;kk;- ,e;jg;ghliyg; ghbNa rpupf;fitj;jhu;.
jkpo; rpdpkh tuyhw;wpy; tUlf;fzf;fpy; Xb rhjid Gupe;jglk; rpe;jhkzp. ,r;rhjidia ve;jj;jpyfq;fSk; ve;j ];lhu;fSk; Kwpabf;ftpy;iy.
kpUjq;fk;> Gy;yhq;Foy; jdf;Fg;gpbj;jkhd ,ir vdr;nrhy;Yk; mk;ikahUf;F tpy;Yg;ghl;L epfo;r;rpapYk; myhjpg;gpupak;.
; gpwe;j ehL kNyrpah. rpyfhyk; rpq;fg;G+upy; tho;e;jhu;.ngw;Nwhupd; G+u;tPfk; tl ,yq;ifapy; Nfhg;gha;.
G+kpg;ge;jpy; vj;jidNah ehLfSf;Fr; nrd;W ghu;j;J te;jNghjpYk; mT];jpNuypahtpy; ePz;lfhyk; tho;e;jhYk;$l Nfhg;gha;jhd; ,d;Wk; gRikahf kdjpy; epidthf epiwthf gjpthfpapUf;fpwJ. Nfhg;gha;ntspAk; gr;irg;gNrnyd tpupe;jpUf;Fk; tay;ntspfSk; vd;kdf;fz;fis tpl;lfytpy;iy. mq;NfNa njhlu;e;J tho;tjw;F jdf;Ff; nfhLj;Jitf;ftpy;iy vd;W kdk; frpe;J nrhd;dhu;.
ehd; rpWkpahf ,Ue;jnghOJ vq;fs; tPL mike;jpUe;j tPjpNahukhf xU rpWtd; G+kpapy; khdpl n[d;kk; ghliyg;ghbf;nfhz;L jpdKk; fhiyNtisapy; nry;thd;. mtDila jfg;gDf;F Gifapiy gapu;r;nra;ifjhd; njhopy;. me;jg;ghly; fhw;wpNy fye;J tUk;. kwf;fKbahj mDgtk;.
rpq;fg;G+upy; trpj;jfhyj;jpy; ,e;jg;ghly; ,lk;ngw;w rpe;jhkzpglk; xU jpNal;lupy; XbaJ. vdpDk; ghu;f;fKbahky;Nghd tUj;jk; vdf;F ,d;iwf;Fk; cz;L. ,e;jg;ghly;kPjhd vdJ Nkhfk; mwpe;j nky;gd; FLk;g ez;gu; xUtu; me;jg;ghly; gjpthd f]l;il vdf;Fj;je;Js;shu;.
vdJ kuzr;rlq;fpd;NghJ me;jg;ghly; xypf;fNtz;Lk; vd;gJ vd;tho;ehs; Mir vd;W mk;ikahu; nrhd;dJk; nka;rpypu;f;f nefpo;e;JNghNdhk;.
jpahfuh[ghftjupd; kJuf;Fuypd; rhfhtuk; ,Ugj;jpNahuh tJ Ehw;whz;bYk; ePbf;fpwJ.
gy ru;tNjr r%fg;gzp epUtzq;fspy; gzpahw;wp gyuJ ghuhl;LfisAk; tpUJfisAk; ngw;Ws;s uhzp ,ypNa]u; Mrpupiaahf aho;g;ghzk;> nfhOk;G> Nfhyhyk;G+u; nky;gd; Mfpa efuq;fspy; gzp ahw;wpapUf;fpwhu;.
,tu; jdJ tho;ehspy; Nkw;nfhz;l gy r%f eyg;gzpfis gpd;tUk; Mz;L uPjpahd gl;bay; tpsf;Fk;.
Coordinator, Special Broadcasting service, Tamil language programme - 1976 -1990
Asian development Foundation “Tamil Update” Researcher 1984-95 Director, Australian Human Rights Foundation Board 1993-1995
Ceylon Tamil Association (Vic) Inaugural Committee 1978-80
Tamil School Committee 1981-82
Immigration Committee 1983-88
Australia Wide – Onshore Offshore
1983 -88 Victorian immigration Rights and Resources Committee 1989 -91 Bharathalaya School Of Indian Classical Dancing,Founding Group
1987 – 88 Bharatham dance Company, Board of Directors 1989 – 92 Australian Children’s television Advisory Sub – Committee 1982-86 National executive, Y W C A , Australia 1968 –69 National Chairman Public Affairs, YWCA, Malaysia 1963- 65 University Of seven Seas, Board of trustees Run by the Quakers, Whitteker , California, ISA 1961 - 64 Founder president, University of Malaya Wives association 1961 -63 Founder Co-President, Ceylon Housewives Association 1958- 58 Founder President, National Tamil Women’s association to find markets for rural products in towns and cities 1956- 58 UN Sub – Committee on women, “Committee Of Correspondence”
1956-68 Hon. Manager, Tamil Methodist
Schools, C Various Ecu eg Chuch W Movement, Cross as W Secretary, P Ceylon and 2001
Mk; M Centenary vd;w mikg Nation vd uhzp ,ypNa] jkpo;kf;fSf;n cUthf;Ftj Nru;e;J njhl tpgupj;jhu;. K epkplq;fNs x rpy epkplq;fs vdg;NghuhlNt njhlu;r;rpahf gpd;du;jhd; jk
fpilj;jJ.
,d;W mT] jkpo;Neau;fs; Nfl;Lf;nfhz jkpo; xypgug;G fl;bnaOg;gpa ,ypNa]u; m MNyhridi md;gu; jpU.Nr jkf;F toq;f Fwpg;gpl;lhu;. mikr;ruhd kidtp Gdpj
xUrkak; Vw;gl;lJ. jk cilf;Fk; m jpUkjp Gd mioj;Jf;nf mDruizA cLGlitfS Nrfupj;J vL aho;g;ghzk; N cUisf;fpoq NkNy mku;e;J rpq;fsg;gpuNjr ,Ue;jJ. vd ,Ue;jikahy me;j nts;sg gpuNjrj;jpYk;

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Mk; Mz;L
Australian Centenary of Federation vd;w mikg;gpd; Women Shaping the Nation vd;Dk; tpUjpidAk; ngw;Ws;s uhzp ,ypNa]u;> nky;gdpy; jkpo;kf;fSf;nfd xUthndhypr;Nritia cUthf;Ftjw;fhf jdJ fztUld; Nru;e;J njhlu;r;rpahfg;NghuhbaijAk; tpgupj;jhu;. Kjypy; jkpo; xypgug;Gf;nfd rpy epkplq;fNs xJf;fg;gl;ld. kl;Lg;gLj;jg;gl;l rpy epkplq;fs; NghjhJ vdg;NghuhlNtz;bapUe;jJ. gy fbjq;fis njhlu;r;rpahf vOjp mOj;jk; nfhLj;Njhk;. gpd;du;jhd; jkpOf;Fk; xU kzpNeuk;
fpilj;jJ.
,d;W mT];jpNuypah thndhyp jkpo;Neau;fs; gpujp Qhapw;Wf;fpoikNjhWk; Nfl;Lf;nfhz;bUf;Fk; SBS Njrpa thndhyp jkpo; xypgug;G gpwe;j tPl;bid fl;bnaOg;gpa ngUik jpUkjp uhzp ,ypNa]u; mtu;fisAk; rhUk;. ,jw;fhd MNyhridia md;gu; jpU.Nrhkh.NrhkRe;juk; mtu;fs; jkf;F toq;fpajhfed;wpAzu;NthL Fwpg;gpl;lhu;. Kd;dhs; cs;@uhl;rp mikr;ruhd jpUr;nry;tk; mtu;fspd; kidtp Gdpjk;> uhzpapd; rpNefpjp.
xUrkak; tlgFjpapy; nts;s mdu;j;jk; Vw;gl;lJ. jkpo;kf;fs; czTf;Fk; cilf;Fk; my;yy;gl;ldu;.
jpUkjp Gdpjk; jpUr;nry;tj;ijAk; mioj;Jf;nfhz;L nrQ;rpYitr;rq;fj;jpd; mDruizAld; xU nyhwpapy; cLGlitfSk; czTg;nghUl;fSk; Nrfupj;J vLj;Jf;nfhz;L ,utputhf aho;g;ghzk; Nehf;fp gazk; nra;jhu;. cUisf;fpoq;F> ntq;fha %ilfSf;F NkNy mku;e;Jnfhz;L gazpj;Njhk;. rpq;fsg;gpuNjrq;fisf;flf;Fk;NghJ kdg;gak; ,Ue;jJ. vdpDk; nyhwpr;rhujp rpq;fstuhf ,Ue;jikahy; rw;W MWjyhf ,Ue;jJ. me;j nts;sg;ghjpg;G mEuhjGuk; gpuNjrj;jpYk; ,Ue;jJ.
mq;F fpuhkrigj;jiytu;fs; epthuz cjtpfspy; Nkhrb nra;jijAk; mtjhdpj;J mrhj;jpa Jzpr;rYld; thjkpl;L mr;rpq;fskf;fSf;Fk; epthuzk; Kiwahff;fpl;lr;nra;Njhk;
tpf;Nuhupah %j;jgpui[fs; rq;fj;jpd; gj;jhtJ Mz;L epiwit Kd;dpl;L 1997 Mk; Mz;L ntspte;j rq;f cWg;gpdu;fspd; jfty; Fwpg;Gkyupd; Mrpupau;FOtpYk; uhzp ,ypNaru; mq;fk; tfpj;Js;shu;.
Rthu];akhfg;Ngrpf;nfhz;bUe;jtuplk; cq;fs; tho;ehspy; kwf;fKbahj rk;gtq;fs; VJk; ,Uf;fpd;wdth? - vdf;Nfl;Nlhk;.
epiwar;rk;gtq;fs; ,Uf;fpd;wd. Mdhy; ,uz;L rk;gtq;fs; mbf;fb Qhgfj;jpw;F te;JtpLk;.
Xd;W- ,uz;lhk; cyfkfh Aj;jj;jpd;NghJ [g;ghdpaupd; Fz;LtPr;R tpkhdj;jplkpUe;J nja;thjPdkhfj;jg;gpaJ.
,uz;L- vdJ fztu; ,ypNaru; mtu;fis Kjy; Kjypy; re;jpj;jJ.
mtiu gpw;fhyj;jpy; ehd; re;jpf;fNtz;Lnkd;gjw;fhfj;jhNdh njupatpy;iy flTs; vd;idAk; vdJ FLk;gj;jpdiuAk; md;W eLf;flypy; xU ruf;Ff;fg;gypy; mfjpfshf te;Jnfhz;bUe;jnghOJ Fz;LtPr;R tpkhdj;jplkpUe;J fhg;ghw;wpdhu;.
mg;nghOJ vdf;F 18 taJ ,Uf;Fk;. rpq;fg;G+u; [g;ghdpau;fspd; jhf;Fjy;fSf;F ,yf;fhfptpl;lJ. xU ruf;Ff;fg;gypy; Gwg;gl;Nlhk;. Rkhu; 22 ehl;fs;. kpfTk; mt];ijg;gl;Nlhk;. ky$l trjpapy;iy. ngz;fspd; epiyikia vg;gbj;jhd;
nrhy;tJ. [hth khu;f;fkhf me;jf;fg;gy; nfhOk;G Nehf;fpr;nrd;wJ. xU ehs; xU Fz;L tPr;R tpkhdk; jhog;gwe;J te;jJ. midtUk; fz;fis %bf;nfhz;L flTisg;gpuhu;j;jpj;Njhk;. vd;d mjprak;ghUq;fs; me;j tpkhdk; NtW jpirapy; nrd;W kiwe;J tpl;lJ.
ahu; nra;j Gz;zpaNkh ,d;Wk; capUld; ,Uf;fpd;Nwd;. uhzp,ypNaru; mtu;fs; me;j fg;gy; gazj;ij tpgupj;jnghOJ- vkf;F g. rpq;fhuk; vOjpa GaypNy xU Njhzp ehty;jhd; epidTf;F te;jJ.
jiyrpwe;j ehty;fspd; tupirapy; GaypNy xU Njhzp ,d;Wk; Ngrg;gLfpwJ.
(19Mk; gf;fk; ghu;f;f)


Page 19
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008 cg;gpl;l thu;j;ijfs; fz;zhb gs;spfspy; gj;jhk; tFg;G tiu jkpio xU ghlkhf fw;WjUtjw;F ePz;l Nghuhl;lj;jpw;F gpwF jkpof muR jw;NghJ cr;rePjpkd;w Miz ngw;Ws;sJ. NtW ve;j khepyj;jpYk; ,g;gb kf;fs; jq;fsJ nkhopapy; ghlk; fw;Wf; nfhs;tjw;fhf NghuhLk; R+oypUf;fpwjh vd;W njupatpy;iy. jkpofj;jpy; Mq;fpyk; mwpahjtu;fs; gbj;jtu;fshf ,Ue;jhYk; Kl;lhs;fis NghyNt elj;jg;gLfpwhu;fs;. jdpahu; gs;spfSk;> nkl;upf;FNyrd; fy;tpKiwAk; gs;spapypUe;J jkpio nky;y mope;J tUfpwJ. nkhopapd; jhJf;fis nky;y mopj;njhopf;Fk; ,e;j td;Kiwia rfpj;J nfhs;tjw;F ehk; gofpapUf;fpNwhk;. rpw;Whu;fspy; $l Mq;fpygs;spfs; Muk;gpf;fgl;L jkpo; xJf;fgLtJ ,ay;ghfpapUf;fpwJ. vspikahd nrhw;fSf;F $l Mq;fpyk; gad;gLj;jgLtjd; vupr;riy vg;gb fle;J nry;tJ vd;W GuptNjapy;iy. jkpo;ehl;bw;F irf;fps; vdg;gLk; kpjptz;b mwpKfkhfp EW tUrq;fSf;F Nkyhf ,Uf;fpwJ. kpjptz;bia xl;Lfpd;wtu;fs; ghkuu;fs;. mbj;jl;L kf;fs;. gOJghu;f;Fk; fil itj;jpUg;gu; vspa njhopyhsp. Mdhy; irf;fpspd; lau;> bA+g;> Nfupau; ngy;> Ngf;tPy; gpuz;l; tPy;> lGs;]; N`z;l;ghu; ghy;u]; Nghf;];> tPy;> ngly; vd;W Ehw;Wf;Fk; Nkw;gl;l nrhw;fSk; Mq;fpyj;jpNy mg;gbNa cs;sd. jkpohf;fk; nra;ag;gl;l vijAk; vtUk; gad;gLj;JtNjapy;iy mz;zhrhiyapy; cs;s xU rpifayq;fhu filapy; rtuk; nra;J nfhs;tjw;fhf fhj;Jf; nfhz;bUe;Njd;. kpf etPdkhd fil vd;gJ mq;fpUe;j fz;zhbfs; kw;Wk; tpjtpjkhd tpsf;nfhspfspy; njupe;jJ. vd; mUfhik ehw;fhypapy; ,Ue;j ,isQUf;F mWgJ taijf; fle;j xUtu; jiyKb jpUj;jpf; nfhz;bUe;jhu;. tpjtpjkhd thrid ijyq;fs;>
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njhlq;fpapUg;gjhf cld;te;jtu;fs; ,ufrpakhf fhJfSf;Fs; Ngrpf;nfhz;lij mwpe;J nfhz;Nld;.
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mJ Rak;tuk; khjpup xU tpisahl;L. gpw;fhyj;jpy; vdJ kfs; NuZfh mtuplk; Nfl;lhs;- mg;gh cq;fSf;F Ehw;Wf;fzf;fhd tud;fs; te;jjhNk ?
,ae;jpuq;fs;> Kfg;G+r;R rhjdq;fspy; vij Nju;T nra;J vg;gb goFtJ vd;W njupahky; mtu; jLkhwp jpzwpf; nfhz;bUg;gJ fz;zpy; ghu;j;jTlNd njupe;jJ. mtu; iffs; eLf;fj;ij kiwj;jgbNa Ntiy nra;J nfhz;bUe;jd. ,isQd; Mq;fpyj;jpNy VNjh nrhy;ypf; nfhz;bUe;jhd;. tajhdtu; mijf; Nfl;Lf; nfhz;ljhfNt njupatpy;iy. mtu; ftdk; KOtJk; rpif jpUj;JtjpNy ,Ue;jJ. me;j ,isQd; Nfhgj;Jld; fj;jpdhd;. Nkyhsu; xb te;j NghJ ,e;j Mis vy;yhk; vJf;F Ntiyf;F tr;rpfpUf;fPq;f. nrb ntl;Lw khjpup fj;jpupia A+]; gz;whu; vd;W nrhd;dhd;. tajhdtu; jaf;fj;Jld; jk;gp nrhd;dJ
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kdij cw;W Nehf;f njupahky; ,e;j Mq;fpyk; Ngrj; njupahj fhuzj;jhy;
njhopiy nra;a KbahJ. Kfj;ij moF Kl;lhshf elj;jgLfpwhd;. yz;ldpy; $l
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ftiyfSk; kdNtjidfSk; Kfj;jpy; hdtu; jhd;
jkpofj;jpy; Neu; vjpuhd R+oNy cs;sJ.
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Gfo;ngw;w U~;a jj;JtQhdpahd
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epkprq;fs; Mo;e;j jpahdepiyia
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mJ Kw;wpYk; cz;ik. xt;nthU
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cz;ikia gfpu;e;J nfhz;lhu;. epkprq;fspy; jd;id mwpahj xU jpahd
ek;ik moF nra;Ak; iffis ehk; ; $l bahJ
czu;tpw;Nf Ml;gLfpwhd;. nfhbapypUe;J
nfhz;lhLtjpy;iy. Fiwe;j gl;rk; ,Uf;fpwJ.
 gps;isfs; cz;L. Kk;ghiar; NrHe;j ,tH RkhH gj;J jkpo;g; glq;fspy; ebj;jpUe;jhH; fhjyH jpdk; jtpu Vida glq;fs; rupahf Xltpy;iy. ,tH filrpahf ebj;jglk;
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www.sramakrishnan.com
Fzhy; kuzk;> nfhiyah?jw;nfhiyah?
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vOjpf;nfhz;bUf;Fk; uhzp ,ypNa]u; mtu;fs; ey;yhNuhf;fpaKld; tho;fntd;Wtho;j;jp tpilngw;Nwhk;. fztupd; gy ntw;wpfSf;Fk; rhjidfSf;Fk; gpd;dpd;wtu;.
uhzp,ypNa]u;> fy;tpapayhsu;> Ma;thsu;>


Page 20
20 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
eNlrd; gf;fk; gjpd;%d;whtJ jpUj;j rl;lk ,
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,yq;ifapd; nghj;Jtpy; t ,yq;if ,e;jpa flw;g Kaw;rpahy; f jilnra;ag;g mz;ba (jq fiuapy; ,U

pd;%d;whtJ jpUj;j rl;lk;
;ik huk; [djh utpy; jq;fp
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sh Muha;e;J kpau;fSk;
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kz;zy;y. Nkw;F ehLfspy; [dehaf fhw;iw Rthrpf;Fk; jkpou;fs; $l mkpu;jypq;fk; ePyd; jpUr;nry;tk; Nghd;w [dehaf thjpfis nfhd;w NghJ fspg;gile;J ghyrpq;fk; jkpo;nry;tDf;F thuf;fzf;fpy; Jf;fk; mD];bj;jtu;fs;jhd;.
jw;Nghija fs epiy
,e;jpahtpy; epd;w NghJ %d;W tpLjiyg;Gypfs; vd re;Njfj;jpy; nly;ypapy; gpbj;j kWehs; Kd;dhs; tl- fpof;F Kjy;tu; tujuh[g;ngUkhis nfhiy nra;a jpl;lkpl;ljhf Gypfspd; csTg; gpupit Nru;e;jtu;fs; gyu;gpbgl;ldu;. ,jd;gpd;G fUzhepjp Ml;rpf;F neUf;fb cUthdJ. $l;lzpapd; mq;fkhd fhq;fpu]; fl;rpAk; vjpu;fl;rpahd m.jp.K.f Tk; Nru;e;J fiyQiu Gyp MjuTvd Fw;wk; rhl;bdu;. fiyQu; jdJ Ml;rpia fhg;ghw;w jkpo; ehl;L csT Jiwahd Q gpupit KLf;fptpl;lhu;. nrd;idapy; thOk; GypfSld; mfjpj; jkpou;fSf;Fk; neUf;fb Vw;gl;Ls;sJ.
,yq;ifapd; fhq;Nfrd;Jiw Kjy; nghj;Jtpy; tiuahd fpof;Fg;gFjp ,yq;if ,e;jpa flw;gilfspd; $l;L Kaw;rpahy; fly;Gypfspd; Nghf;FtuT jilnra;ag;gl;Ls;sJ. ,uhNk];tuk; mz;ba (jq;fr;rpklk;) jkpo; ehl;L fiuapy; ,Ue;J kd;dhupd; tlf;F
fiu (tplj;jy;jPT) gFjpfSf;Nf ,g;nghOJ vupnghUSk; fz;zp ntbf;Fupa %yg;nghUl;fSk; flj;jg;LfpwJ. ,e;j fly;gFjp Mok; mw;w gFjp ghupa fly; gil fg;gy;fs; nry;yKbahJ.. ,e;j flj;jiy Gypfs; Neubahf nra;tjpy;iy. jkpof flj;jy;fhuuplk; nfhe;juhj;J tpl;Ls;shu;fs;. ,tu;fs; Vio kPdtu;fs; %yk; ,ij nra;fpwhu;fs;.
,ij tpl gyuJ fUj;Jg;gb tpLjiy Gypspd; ,uhZt eltbf;if csTg;nghWg;;ghsu; nghl;lk;kdplk; nrd;Wtpl;lJ. ,j;Jld; gpughfudJ fhaj;ijg;gw;wpa nra;jpAk; gykhf cyhTfpwJ.. ,jd;gb Gypfspd; jhf;Fjy; rhjhuz rpq;fs kf;fSf;F vjpuhf NkYk; KLf;fptplg;glyhk;. ,J ,yq;if murhq;fj;jpd; ifia NkYk; gyg;gLj;Jk;. Vw;fdNt gy rf;jpfs; GypfSf;F vjpuhf Xtu;ilk; Ntiy nra;fpwhu;fs;. ghfp];jhd; tpkhd Xl;bfs; Fz;L tpkhdk; XLfpwhu;fs;. 150 ,yq;iif tpkhd Xl;bfs; kpf; uf tpkhdq;fSf;F ,e;jpa igyl;LfshNy ,yq;ifapNy gapw;wg;gLfpwhu;fs;. ,e;jpa fg;gw;gilfs; GypfSf;F vjpuhf Nuhe;J nry;fpd;wd. ,J kl;Lky;y ,yq;if ,uhZt Kfhk;fspy; ,e;jpa MNyhrfu;fs; cs;shu;fs; vd rpy jfty;fs; frpfpwJ.
,e;j epiyapy; td;dpapy; rpWtu;fisAk; jiy eiuj;j kj;jpa tajhdtu;fisAk; Gypg;gilapy; Nru;j;J epfo;fhyj;ij kl;Lky;yhJ jkpou; vjpu;fhyj;ijAk; mopg;gjh ,y;iy 97y; ,we;j 

Page 21
Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008 eilau; Guhzk; r
pl;dpapy; jhq;fs; ghu;f;fNtapy;iy ,e;j khjpup kio vd nga;jij rpthTk; GdpjhTk; mbf;fb nrhy;yp eilaupd; tuyhw;wwptpid mfypj;jdu;. tPl;by; xUtUkpy;yhj gfy; nghOJfspy; jdpikapNy kioia urpf;ff; fw;Wf;nfhz;lhu;;. kiof;Fk; tuyhw;Wf;Fk; epr;rak; VjhtJ cwtpUf;fNtz;Lk;. ,y;yhtpl;lhy; mJ Vd; gioa epidTfisf; fpswNtz;Lk; vd tpae;jgb Cu; epidTfspy; Njhayhdhu;.
nts;sk; epuk;gpa aho;ghzj;J tPjpfspy; rapf;fps; gpuahzk; tpy;yq;fkhdjhapDk; Rthu;rpakhdJ. rpd;d tajpy; irf;fpis eilau; ntWj;j gbahy; mtuhy; Rakhfr; rthup nra;a KbahJ. kioj; Jhwy; rw;Wg; gzpe;jJk; VNjh mtru mYty; ,Ug;gjhfg; ghtid gz;zpf;nfhz;L eilau; mtUila guk rPldhfpa KUNfrNdhL rapf;fpspy; Gwg;gl;LtpLthu;. Cu; Cuhf VNjh Jiye;J Nghd khl;il NjLtJNghy tPjpfs; xOq;iffs; Ntypfs; vy;yhk; msg;ghu;fs;;. nghOJgl tPL te;J nts;s epytuk; gw;wp tpyhthupahf tpsf;Fthu;. ,tu; Vd; ,e;j ,lq;fSf;nfy;yhk; Nghdhu; vd;W Nfl;L mtiu xUtUk; rq;flg;gLj;j khl;lhu;fs;. ey;y kio nga;J Xa;e;j nghOnjy;yhk; mtu;fs;; efu;tyk; NghtJ vy;yhUk; mwpe;j tplakhfptpl;lJ. kio ,g;NghJ KUNfrdpd; epidTfspy; nfhOtpf;nfhz;lJ.
cs;@u; ePr;ry; tPuu;fSf;F kiojhd; ikjhdk;. CupYs;s nghJf; fpzW Fsk; Fl;ilfspnyy;yhk; xy;ypj; Njq;fhAld; fskpwq;fptpLthu;fs;. eilaupd; ez;gd; Ropad; KUNfRtpw;F jhd; xU ePr;ry; tPuuhf Ntz;Lnkd;W epiwa Mir. Mdhy; vt;tsTjhd; Kad;Wk; mtdhy; ePz;l Neuk; jz;zpapiy kpjf;f Kbatpy;iy. ey;y kioapd; gpd;du; fpzWf;fl;Ltiu ePu; epuk;gpa xUehs; tPl;Lf; fpzw;wpy; ,ufrpakhf gapw;rpnaLf;Fk; Kaw;rpapy; ,wq;fpdhd;;. fiuf; fl;il gpbj;Jf; nfhz;L ePz;l Neuk; nra;j gapw;rpapy; KUNfRtpw;F G+uz jpUg;jp. jhDk; kw;wtu;fs; Nghy; fl;Lf;F NkNy ,Ue;J Fjpj;J ePe;j KbAk; vd;w ek;gpf;if tu Vwp
,e;jpahtpy; vdJ ez;gu; xUtiu ,UgJ tUlq;fs; fle;J re;jpj;Jtpl;L gpd;G n[a;g;g+u; nry;yj;jahuhfpaNghJ Nfl;Nld;.
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,e;j fpoikjhd; ,we;Jtpl;lhu;.
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kPz;Lk; fPNo ,d;Dk; xN mjpYk; Njh vd;w epi fhy;fspy; F gha;e;jhd;. m kPz;Lk; Ko ghapNy fple vd;W mtDila Fbf;fr; n Rw;wpapUe;J KUNfrDf mtkhdkha eufj;Jf;Nfh Nahrpj;jhd;.
“ey ,Ue;jJ. m Vd; jk;gp ePe;jpwnjz;l %z;lhtJ uhirah f ,g;g nrj;j muw;wpf;nfhz clk;ngy;yh KUNfrid mtd; jd;i nra;jpUe;jhY
te;J eLf; fpzw;wpy; gha;e;jhd;. Fjpf;fpw
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ntspapiy fisj;Jg;NghapUe;j KUNfRthy; Jg;guthf
elf;fhj khj ePe;j Kbatpy;iy. xUKiw jz;zp jhdhfNt KUNfRit NkNy nfhz;Lte;jJ.
“m xU fzk;jhd;. kPz;Lk; %o;fj; Jtq;fpdhd;;.
ehd; Jhf;f jd;Dila fhy; if jiy clk;G
nrj;jpUg;gha vy;yhtw;whYk; mbj;J ,uz;lhk; KiwAk; NkNy te;jhd;. ,e;jKiw vg;gbAk; fiuiaj;
“t njhlLtplNtz;Lnkd fLk; gpuaj;jdk;
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,ilapiy Kiwf;F Nky; NkNy tukhl;lhu;fs; vd;gij mtd; ed;fwpe;jpUe;jhd;. Mdhy; me;j rpd;d
KUNfrd; , fpzW ,g;NghJ ngupa rKj;jpuk; khjpup
cl;gl vy;Ny tpupe;J fple;jJ. fiu vl;lhj; njhiytha;
,ij KUN ePz;L fple;jJ. xU mb jhz;lKjy;
me;j epf n[a;g+u; fhy; --- lhf;lu; gpuNkhj; fud; N
86;Mk; Mz;by; jkpou; kUj;Jt epjpaj;jpd; nrayhsuhd ehDk; ez;gd; nlhf;lu; rptehjDk; mf;fhyj;jpy; n[a;g+u; nraw;if fhiy mwpe;J ; n[a;g+u; nrd;Nwhk;
gk;ghapy; gujk; gapd;w Rjh re;jpud; jpUr;rpapy; ele;j tpgj;jpy; fhiy ,oe;J gpd; n[a;g+u; nraw;if fhiy nghUj;jpa gpd; eldkhb kA+up jpiug;glj;jpd; %yk; rpdpkh ebifahf mwpag;gl;lhu;.
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n[a;g+u; nrd;w ehq;fs; Nrth khd;rpq; itj;jparhiyf;F nrd tprhupj;Njhk;. mq;F cs;;stu;fs njhiyNgrpapy; -,yq;ifj;jkpou;fs; ,Utu; cq;fis Njbte;jpUf;fpwhu;fs;- vd;whu;fs;.
clNd mDg;gTk;
,sk; fhiy Neuj;jpy; nlhf;lh; Nrj;jpapd; tPl;by; cgrupf;fg;gl;Nlhk;. ru;tNjr nrQ;rpYit rq;fj;jpd

eilau; Guhzk;
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;
;
21
kPz;Lk; fPNo ,Oj;jJ/
,uhirahitAk; ePr;riyAk; mbNahL ,d;Dk; xNunahU Kiwjhd; NkNy tuyhk;.
ntWf;fj; Jtq;fptpl;ld;. ,Ue;jhYk; mjpYk; Njhw;why; guNyhfk;jhd;. ,Wjp %r;R
mtDila ngaNuhL Ropad; vd;w milnkhop vd;w epidg;NghL vy;yhr;rf;jpfisAk;
xl;bf; nfhz;lij mtdhy; jLf;f fhy;fspy; Ftpj;J fiuia Nehf;fp vl;bg;
Kbatpy;iy. mjd; gpd;du; mtd; Ropad; gha;e;jhd;. mt;tsTjhd; mtDf;Fj; njupAk;;
KUNfR vd;Nw vy;NyhuhYk; kPz;Lk; Kopf;Fk;NghJ tPl;L tpwhe;ijapy;
miof;fg;gl;lhd;;. ghapNy fple;jhd;. ,J nrhu;f;fNkh eufNkh vd;W mDkhdpf;f vj;jdpg;gjw;Fs;
MdhYk; kio Xa;e;j vy;yh ehl;fSk; mtDila jha; Rlr; Rlf; Nfhg;gpia je;J
kfpo;rpahdjhf ,Uf;ftpy;iy. ,d;ndhU Fbf;fr; nrhd;dhu;. maytu;fs; vy;yhk;
kio tpl;l fhiyg; nghOjpy; jd;Dila Rw;wpapUe;J Ntbf;if ghu;j;jdu;.
ez;gd; Ropad; KUNfR kpd;rhuf; fk;gj;jpy; KUNfrDf;F jhq;f Kbahj
fl;lg;gl;bUe;jij CNu Ntbf;fif mtkhdkhapUe;jJ. Nghrhky; nrhu;f;fj;Jf;Nfh
ghu;j;jpUe;jJ. new;wpg; nghl;by; Jg;ghf;fpr; eufj;Jf;Nfh NghapUf;fyhk; vd;W
#Lk; neQ;rpy; xU Jz;L fhfpjKkha; Nahrpj;jhd;.
gpzkha;f; fple;jhd;. r%f tpNuhjp RopaDf;F “ey;y fhyk;. uhirah tPl;biy
kuz jz;lid vd;W nkhl;ilahf ,Ue;jJ. mtd;jhd; cd;idf; fhg;ghj;jpdJ.
vOjpapUe;jJ. ,e;j epfo;r;rpjhd; eilau; Vd; jk;gp jdpa ePe;jg; gofpwha;. ,dpNky;
Ciu ntWg;gjw;F mj;jpthukpl;lJ. mjw;F ePe;jpwnjz;lhy; ,uhirahNthil Ngh.
gpwF Mapuf;fzf;fhd Kfkwpahj %z;lhtJ Kiw %o;fpwJf;fpilapiy
JNuhfpfSf;F Kfkwpahj tpLjiy tPuu;fs; uhirah fhg;ghj;jpg;Nghl;lhd;. ,y;yhl;by;
kuz jz;lid toq;fpaNghnjy;yhk; ,g;g nrj;j tPLjhd;.” jha; jpUk;gj; jpUk;g
eilaUf;F tpop gpJq;fp kpd;rhuf; fk;gj;jpy; muw;wpf;nfhz;bUe;jhs;. KUNfrDf;F
njhq;fpa Ropad; KUNfRNt Qhgfj;jpw;F clk;ngy;yhk; gw;wp vupe;jJ. ,uhirahTf;F
te;jhd;. ,d;Wtiu Ropad; KUNfR vg;gbj; KUNfrid tpl ,uz;L taJ FiwT.
JNuhfpahdhd; vd xUtUf;Fk; njupahJ. mtd; jd;idf; fhg;ghj;jpdijtpl nfhiyNa nra;jpUe;jhYk; kd;dpr;rpUg;ghd;.
gpd;du; ,d;ndhU milkiof;Fg; gpd;du; thdj;jpypUe;J Fjpj;j ,e;jpar; rpg;gha;fs; ;. Fjpf;fpw
“,uhirah ,J cd;iu
Ciur; Jtk;rk; nra;jNghJ nts;sq;fspy; tu;fs; Xb
NtiyjhNd. vdf;F njupAk;. Vd; vd;id
Cutu;fs; gpNujq;fs; kpje;jd. mjpy; Ropaid gapw;rpapy;
ntspapiy vLj;jdP” KUNfrd; xz;Lk;
Rl;ltDk; kpjg;gjhf Cutu;fs; ; Jg;guthf
elf;fhj khjpupf; Nfl;lhd;.
Ngrpf;nfhz;ldu;. me;j epfo;Tf;Fg; gpd;du; jz;zp
kio nts;sq;fs; kuzj;ijNa gpujpgypg;gjhf z;Lte;jJ.
“mlg;ghtp. eP %o;fpf;nfhz;bUe;jdp.
eilau; czuyhdhu;. tq;fpdhd;;.
ehd; Jhf;fhl;by; fpzj;Jf;fbapiy Ngha; y clk;G
nrj;jpUg;gha;” ,uhirah nrhd;dhd;.
rpl;dp kf;fspd; tpLKiwfSf;F jil k; KiwAk;
tpjpj;jgb kio ,d;Dk; Xahky; k; fiuiaj;
“tpru; fij fijahij. ehd;
ngha;Jnfhz;bUf;fpwJ. fhy;tha;fs; nts;sk; gpuaj;jdk;
RopNahbf; nfhz;ly;Nyh ,Ue;jdhd;.
jq;fhjgb ftdkhf ePiu flypy; ;fs; %d;W
,ilapiy te;J eP ,Oj;Jg; Nghl;lha;.”
Nru;j;Jf;nfhz;bUf;fpwJ. s; vd;gij me;j rpd;d
KUNfrd; ,g;gpbr; nrhy;y mtUila jha; ;jpuk; khjpup
cl;gl vy;NyhUk; tpOe;J tpOe;J rpupj;jdu;. njhiytha;
,ij KUNfrdhy; vd;Wk; kwf;f KbahJ. jhz;lKjy;
me;j epfo;r;rpf;F gpd;du; KUNfrd;
;lu; gpuNkhj; fud; Nrj;jp ( Dr
od Kran Sethi) uhk; uhy; (Ram Chandar)
;gj;jpy; tbtikf;fg;gl;l kpdpaj;jhy; Md ,e;f w;if fhy;fs; nlhf;lh; ;jpapdhy; Kd;Ndw;wkhf Lj;jg;gl;L gyUf;F
j;jg;gl;lJ. ,e;j fhy;fs; zp mzpahjtu;fSf;F gb cs;sjhy; %d;whk; cyf fspy; tho;gtu;fSf;F
;jJ. kpff; Fiwe;j nrytpy; pf;f KbAk;;.
;g+u; nrd;w ehq;fs; Nrth ;rpq; itj;jparhiyf;F nrd;W upj;Njhk;. mq;F cs;;stu;fs;
yNgrpapy; q;ifj;jkpou;fs; ,Utu; ;fis Njbte;jpUf;fpwhu;fs;-
hu;fs;.
Nd mDg;gTk;
; fhiy Neuj;jpy; nlhf;lh; ;jpapd; tPl;by;
upf;fg;gl;Nlhk;. Njr nrQ;rpYit rq;fj;jpd;
re;jpufhrd; - rpl;dp
miog;gpy; jhd; Mg;fhdp];;jhd; nrd;wijAk; mq;Nf n[a;g+u; nraw;if fhy; nra;tjw;F jhq;fs; gapw;Wtpj;jijAk; vkf;F $wpdhu;. ehq;fs; ,yq;ifapy; elf;Fk; Nghiu tpsf;fptpl;L jw;nghOJ ngUkstpy; Njit ,y;ytpbDk; vjpu;fhyj;NjitiafUjp rpyiu nraw;if fhy; nra;tjpy; gapw;Wtpf;ftpUk;GfpNwhk;
mjw;fhd Mtd nra;tjhf cWjpaspj;jhu;
rpy kzp Neuk; mtUld; Ngrpajpy; mtuJ jho;ik czu;T vd;id kppfTk; ftu;e;jJ. cyf Gfo; ngw;w XNjhgPbf; Nru;[d; vd;gjw;fhd jd;ik vJTk; mtuJ thu;j;ijapy; ntsptutpy;iy. ,Wjpapy; ePq;fsh ,e;j n[a;g;G+u; fhiy tbtikj;jJ? vd;w vdJ Nfs;tpf;F mikjpahf mjd; ngUik uhk; re;jUf;Nf NrUk; vd;whu;
%d;Wjlit n[a;g;G+u; nrd;W 18 ,yq;ifj; jkpou;fis gapw;Wtpj;Njhk;. ,jd; gpd; ,yq;if murhq;fj;jpd; rhu;gpy; gapw;wg;gl;ldu;.
vYk;G rj;jpu itj;jpauhfpa lhf;lu; gpuNkhj; fud; Nrj;jp Nguhrpupauhf ,Ue;J,isg;ghwpatu;. ,tuJ Nrit ,e;jpa murhq;fj;jhy; gj;k= nfhLj;Jk; gpypg;igd;]; murhy; uhkd; khf;N]N] tpUJk; mspj;Jk; nfsutpf;fg;gl;lJ.
,e;jpahTf;F kl;Lky;y cyfj;Jf;Nf nrhe;jkhd lhf;lu; Nrj;jp jdJ 80 tajpy; ,t;tUlk; [dtup 5 k; jpfjp fhykhdhu;
glk; jfty; nrse;jup (pathivukal.com)
eNlrd;


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22 Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
v
d; tho;ehspy; ,Utiuj;jhd; re;jpf;f Ntz;Lk; vd kpfTk; Mirg;gl;Nld;. mjpy; xUtu; fz;zjh]d;.
fhe;jp[papd; rj;jpa Nrhjidf;Fg;gpd; Xu; cz;ikahd Rarupijia ,ad;wtiu cyFf;Fj;je;jhu;. xU ,isQd; vg;gbnay;yhk; thof;$lhNjh.. mg;gbnay;yhk; tho;e;jtd; ehd; vdNt ,g;gb thohNj...vdr;nrhy;tjw;F vdf;F KO cupikAk; cz;L. vd;fpwhu; ftpQu;.
ftpQuJ ghly;fisf;Nfl;Fk;Nghnjy;yhk; vd;kdk; rpl;Lf;FUtpNghd;W cw;rhfkhf rpwfbj;Jg;gwf;Fk; kdk; JauKWk;Nghnjy;yhk;
cdf;Fk; fPNo tho;gtu; Nfhb epidj;Jg;ghu;j;J epk;kjp ehL... vd;w mtuJ ghly; tupfs; kdJf;F xj;jlk; nfhLf;Fk;.
fk;gid $g;gpLq;fs; rPijiaf; fhz;ghd; ftp fhspjh]d; ,ts; rFe;jiy vd;ghd;
fz;zjh]id tpl ,d;iwa ftpQu;fs; vtUNk xU ngz;iz ,t;tsT mofhf tu;zpj;jpUf;fkhl;lhu;fs;.
,g;gbahf ftpQiug;gw;wp vLj;Jiuf;f Vuhsk;. vdpDk;> ftpQuJ kfd; fhe;jp fz;zjh]d; nky;Nghu;Zf;F tUif je;jNghJ mtu; vd;NdhL gfpu;e;Jnfhz;l ftpQupd; epidTfis thrfu;fSf;Fr; rku;g;gpf;fpd;Nwd;.
fhe;jp fz;zjh]d; Xu; fk;gd; tPl;Lf;fl;Lj;jwp. jd; je;ijapd; ghly;tupfis kpf mw;Gjkhf tu;zpj;jhu;.
mJkl;Lky;y fhe;jpapd; kidtp kPdh ftpQupd; jPtpu urpif. ,j;jidf;Fk; ftpQupd; nrhe;j kUkfs;.
fz;zjh]d; vt;tsT ngupa xg;gw;w ftpQu; vd;gjid kf;fSf;F fhz;gpf;f ,af;Feu; ghyr;re;jUk; mtuJ
ez;gu;fSk; tpUk;gpdhu;fshk;.
ftpQupd; gpwe;j ehisf;nfhz;lhl Vw;ghL nra;ag;gl;lJ. ghyr;re;ju; Nkilapy; jpBnud Vwp xU mwptpg;igr;nra;jhu;:-
ehd; jahupf;ftpUf;Fk; mLj;j glj;jpd; fhl;rpnahd;wpid ,g;NghJ $wg;Nghfpd;Nwd;. mjw;F ftpQu; cldbahf ghly; tupfis vOjNtz;Lk;. vk;.v];. tp];tehjd; ,iraikf;f v];.gp. ghyRg;gpukzpak; ghlNtz;Lk; . fhl;rpaikg;G ,Jjhd;.
fztduy; tpul;lg;gl;l Xu; mgiyg;ngz;.mts; Jauq;fisf;Nfl;Fk; xU ey;y ez;gd;> kPz;Lk; mtSf;F tho;T ju Mirg;gLk; mtsJ Kd;dhs; fhjyd;. tpthfuj;J ju kWf;Fk; fztd;.
,e;j %tupy; xUtiuj;Nju;e;njLf;fNtz;ba fl;lhak; mtSf;F. mts; kdepiyia tpsf;Fk; tz;zk; ghly; mika Ntz;Lk; vd;whu; ghyr;re;ju;.
urpfu;fs; MtNyhL fhj;jpUe;jhu;fs;. ftpQu; jaq;ftpy;iy.
clNdNa ghlypd; tupfisf;$wpdhu;:- mq;Fk; ,q;Fk; ghij cz;L. ,d;W eP ve;jg;gf;fk;?- rigNahupd; fuNfhrk; thidg;gpse;jJ.
me;jg; ghly; KOikahf gjpT nra;ag;gl;lgpd;du; ghliyg;ghba v];.gp.ghyRg;gpukzpak; ,g;gbg;gl;l xg;gw;w ftpQupd; ghliyg;ghl vdf;Fr; re;ju;g;gk; fpilj;jNj vdf;$wpagb ftpQupd; fhypy;tpOe;J Fk;gpl;lhuhk;.
mLj;J ftpQUf;F kpfTk; Gfioj;je;j ghly;fspy; G+ Kbg;ghs; ,e;jg;G+q;Foyp - vd;w ghlYk; xd;W. gl;bkd;wq;fspy; ,e;jg;ghly; mbf;fb Nkw;Nfhs; fhl;lg;gLk;.
Mdhy; xU thrfu; jkpof rQ;rpifnahd;wpy; fhurhukhf tpku;rpj;jhu;. nfhl;baJ Nksk;
ePf;fkw epiwe;j fz;zjhrd;
Ftpe;jJ Nf ftpQu; vOj vd;gJ gd;i xUikapid Nfhb kyu;fs te;jpUf;fNt tpku;rdj;i nfhQ;rk; jpi vg;gbg;gjpy; ftpQu; Nahrpj;Jf;nf mtuJjPtpu tpku;rfUf;F mspj;jpUe;jh Nfhb vd;g msitf;Fw Nfhb vd;g nghUs; GjpJ Nksk; nfh jiyFdpe;jh nghUs;gLk;. th Md ml urpfu;fs; vd Nehf;Ffpwhu;f ,d;ndhUr vOjpj;je;j ghliyg;ghu;j xUtu; kpfT rq;flg;gl;Lt Milapy;y vd xU ng mike;jpUe
md;W ,uT ftpQiu nj mioj;J k ]hu; xU ng ,g;gbg;ghly $r;rkhf ,U vg;gb,Uf;F tupfis kh vdf;Nfl;lhu
ftpQu; rpupj khw;wNtz;L vOj;ijkhj ,w;Fg;gjpyhf jpUj;jpf;nfhs ghly; Nki Mll;Lkh v vy;N;yhiuA vOJfpwPu;fN itj;Jg;ghl vd;W ftpQ fiythzd Vd; gpwe;jha

ePf;fkw epiwe;j fz;zjhrd;
;gpdhu;fshk;.
w;ghL e;ju; wp xU
k; mLj;j pid ;Nwd;. bahf Ntz;Lk;.
Ntz;Lk; . d;. g;gl;l Xu;
xU ey;y Sf;F k; mtsJ thfuj;J ju
;fNtz;ba
psf;Fk; ka r;re;ju;.
u;
q;Fk; . ;?- ;
kahf gjpT iyg;ghba ; ftpQupd;
; re;ju;g;gk; gb ;J
kpfTk; py; G+ oyp - vd;w d;wq;fspy; Nkw;Nfhs;
; jkpof rhukhf J Nksk;
Ftpe;jJ Nfhb kyu;.-vdf; ftpQu; vOjpapUf;fpwhu;. Nfhb vd;gJ gd;ik. Vg;gb kyu; vd;w xUikapidr;rhu;e;J epw;fyhk;.? Nfhb kyu;fs; vd;Nw te;jpUf;fNtz;Lk;.
tpku;rdj;ijg;gbj;j ftpQu; nfhQ;rk; jpifj;Jj;jhd;Nghdhu;. vg;gbg;gjpy; mspg;gJ vd;W ftpQu; Nahrpj;Jf;nfhz;bUf;ifapy; mtuJjPtpu urpfu;xUtu; me;j tpku;rfUf;F gjpy; mspj;jpUe;jhu;.
Nfhb vd;gJ ,q;F msitf;Fwpf;ftpy;iy.
Nfhb vd;gjw;F ,d;ndhU nghUs; GjpJ.
Nksk; nfhl;l me;jg;Gjpangz; jiyFdpe;jhs; vd;Nw nghUs;gLk;. vd;whu;.
thrpj;j ftpQUf;F Mde;jk; jhq;ftpy;iy. mlNl vd;idtpl vd; urpfu;fs; vd;ghliy Mokhf Nehf;Ffpwhu;fs; vd;whuhk;. ,d;ndhUrkak; ftpQu; vOjpj;je;j xU ghliyg;ghu;j;Jtpl;L ,af;Feu; xUtu; kpfTk; rq;flg;gl;Ltpl;lhu;.
Milapy;yhky; Mll;Lkh? vd xU ngz; ghLtjhf tupfs; mike;jpUe;jd.
md;W ,uT ,af;Feu; ftpQiu njhiyNgrpapy; mioj;J kpfTk; gzpthf ]hu; xU ngz; jd; thapdhy; ,g;gbg;ghlyhkh ? thrpf;fNt $r;rkhf ,Uf;Fk;NghJ ghbdhy; vg;gb,Uf;Fk; ? jaTnra;J tupfis khw;wpj;jhUq;fs;. vdf;Nfl;lhuhk;.
ftpQu; rpupj;Jf;nfhz;Nl Vd; khw;wNtz;Lk;. xU vOj;ijkhj;jpuk; khw;wptpL. M ,w;Fg;gjpyhf Nk vd;W jpUj;jpf;nfhs;. Vd;whuhk; ghly; Nkilapy;yhky; Mll;Lkh vd ntspte;jJ.
vy;N;yhiuAk; itj;J ghly; vOJfpwPu;fNs Vd; vd;id itj;Jg;ghly; vOjtpy;iy vd;W ftpQupd; ,isakfd; fiythzd; Nfl;lNghJ> Vd; gpwe;jha;kfNd Vd;gpwe;jhNah?
,y;iynahU gps;isnad;W Vq;FNthu; jtkpUf;f ,q;F te;J Vd;gpwe;jha; nry;t kfNd? vd;W cd;id epidj;Jj;jhd; vOjpNdd; vd;W Ntbf;ifahfr;nrhd;dhu;. mg;nghOJ ftpQupd; FLk;gj;ij tWik #o;e;jpUe;jJ. me;jf;f~;lj;jpYk; gpwe;j jd;kfid tWikapYk; jdf;Ff;fpilj;j nry;tk; vd;fpwhu;.
ftpQuplk; NaRfhtpaj;ij vOjpj;jUkhW Nfl;lnghOJ Fbfhudhfpa ehd; mjid vOjj;jFjpaw;wtd; vd;whuhk;. kPz;Lk; kPz;Lk; tw;GWj;jg;gl;ljdhy; mf;fhtpaj;ij vOjpKbj;jhu;.
ftpQu; kw;wtu;fspd; jpwikfisg;Nghw;Wk; ey;y kdJ gilj;jtu;.
ghlyhrpupau; thypapd; jiuNky; gpwf;fitj;jhd; ghliyf;Nfl;Ltpl;L kpfTk; mw;Gjkhf vOjpapUf;fpwha; vdg;ghuhl;btpl;L thypf;F gupRk; mDg;gpitj;jhuhk;.
jhk;gj;jpa cwtpidf;$l ftpQu; ftpijf;F xg;gpl;Ls;shu;. Neuk; ,J ey;y Neuk;. neQ;rpy; xU ghl;nlOj ,d;gk; vd;w nrhy; vOj eP vOj ehd; vOj gpwe;jJ NgnuOj - vd;Wk; ehd; fhjnyDk; ftpij nrhd;Ndd; fl;bypd;NkNy - me;jf; fUizf;F ehd; ghpR je;Njd; njhl;bypd;NkNy vd;Wk; mofhf tup rikj;jth;. ,e;jf; ftpQd; Nky; ehLfspw; gpwe;jpUe;jhy; mtuJ jpwikf;Ff; fpilj;j ghpNr NtW tpjkhf mike;jpUf;Fk;. ,e;jpahtpy; gpwe;J murpay; vDk; rfjpapy; cod;wjpdhy; kf;fspd; kdq;fspw;jhd; ePf;fkw epiwe;jpUf;fpd;whh;. X! ftpQNu! mwpTf;F ,wg;G vd;Wk; ,y;iynad;gJ cz;ikahapd; kPz;Lk; xUKiw gpwe;JtpLq;fs;. cq;fs; ifglhj ,yf;fpaq;fSk; ,jpfhrq;fSk; ,d;dKk; mOJ nfhz;Ljhd; ,Uf;fpd;wd.


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Cinema Austral Asian Voice MARCH 2008
ebfHfs;- [Pth> ghtdh> kzptz;zd;> yhy;>ntz;zpwMileph;kyh ,ir - vd;. epU xspg;gjpT Vfhk;guk;> FUNjt; ghly;fs; - eh.Kj;Jf;FkhH>fgpyd;> Afghujp. ,af;fk;- v];. nry;tk;.
,yq;ifapy; Vw;gl;l Aj;jk; jkpoHfis rpjwbr;R cyfpd; gy ghfq;fSf;F nfhz;L nrd;W tpl;LJ. mjpy; xU Jz;L ,e;jpahtpy; tpOe;Jtpl;LJ. mfjp vd;w ngahpy; JhuNjrj;jpw;F ,lk; ngaHe;jtHfs; nfhQ;rk; nfhQ;rkhf me;j fUk;Gs;spia mopj;Jf;nfhz;ldH. Mdhy; ,e;jpahtpw;Fr; nrd;wtHfSf;F mfjp vd;W epue;jukhf gr;ir Fj;jg;gl;lJ. ,yq;if mfjpfisg;gw;wp rpy jkpo; rpdpkhf;fspy; njhl;Lf;nfhs;s CWfha; Nghy; gad;gLj;jg;gl;Ls;sJ. ,e;jg;glk; rw;W NtWgl;Ls;sJ.
glj;jpd; fij toikahd jkpo;rpdpkhf; fhjy; fijjhd;. gzf;fhungz; Vio thypgidf; fhjypg;gJk; mjw;F tpy;ydhf jfg;gd; ,Ug;gJk;> ngz;zpd; mg;ghf;Fj; Jizahf Kiwkhkd; nray;gLtJkhf fij jd; ghl;Lf;Fr; nry;fpwJ. ,q;F xU rpd;d NtWghL Vio thypgDf;Fg; gjpyhf mfjp thypgd; ,Uf;fpwhd;. gpd;Gyj;jpy; mfjpfspd; mtyq;fSk; Vf;fq;fSk; nrhy;yg;gLfpwJ. ,Jjhd; glj;jpw;F xU tYitf; nfhLf;fpwJ.
uhNk];tuk;
Mq;fpy Xu; rpW murpayikg;Gr;rl;lj
mwpKfk;
Mq;fpy murpayikg;Gr; rl;lk; (English Constitutional Law) ,d;iwa epiyf;F tsu;r;rpaile;J tu ePz;l fhyk; vLj;jJ. Mq;fpy murpayikg;Gr; rl;lkhdJ gy khw;wq;fs;> neUf;fbfs;> ,lu;fs; vd;gtw;iwr; re;jpj;Nj ,d;iwa ehfuPf epiyapid mile;jJ. vdNt ,d;iwa Mq;fpy murpayikg;gpidg; gbj;Jg; ghu;f;Fk; vtUk; ,J ,t;thNw ,Ue;jJ vd;W epidj;J tplf;$lhJ.
Mq;fpy murpyikg;Gr; rl;lkhdJ mur Jiwfis %d;W gpupthfg; gpupf;fpd;wJ. mitahtd rl;l tshfj;Jiw (Legislture)> ePjpj;Jiw (Judiciary)> epu;thfj;Jiw (Administrative) vd;gd MFk;.
rl;l tshfj;Jiw (Legislature) MdJ rl;lj;jpid Mf;Ffpd;w ghuhSkd;wj;jpidf;
nfhz;ljhFk;. epu;thfj;Jiw MdJ
Mdhy; jw (Administrative) Mf;fg;gl;l rl;lq;fis
vd;gJ g e i l K i w g ,oe;J tU
; g L j ; J f p d ; w mikr;ruitapidAk;> epu;thf mjpfhupfshd
ru;tNjr uPj mur Copau;fisAk; nfhz;ljhFk;.
cyfNk x (Global V ePjpj;JiwahdJ (Judiciary) Mf;fg;gl;l
ehLfspd; $ rl;lq;fs; mKy; elj;jg;gLfpd;w NghJ
Nfhl;ghLfS vOfpd;w gpzf;Ffis (Disputes) jPu;j;J
Ntz;ba e itf;fpd;w mq;fkhf nray;gLfpd;wJ.
NkYk; ru murpayikg;Gr; rl;lj;jpy; cs;;s xU Kf;fpa
ePjpkd;wk; (W Nfhl;ghL ehlhSkd;wj;jpd; ,iwik
(European (Soverignity of the parliament) vd;gjhFk;.
jPu;g;Gf;fs; ehlhSkd;wj;jpd; ,iwik vd;gJ xU
Courts) ehl;L vy;iyf;Fl;gl;l gpuNjrj;jpy; me; ehl;L
nry;thf;fpi kf;fshy; njupT nra;ag;gl;l ehlhSkd;w
jiyg;gl;L cWg;gpdu;fs; me;ehl;L ehlhSkd;wj;jpNy $b tpthjpj;J Mf;fg;gl;l rl;lj;Jf;F
vdNt ehlh midtUk; fPo;g;gba Ntz;Lnkd;gjhFk;.
khWgl;Lf;
glj;jpd; fsk; flYk; fly; rhHe;j gpuNjrkhfpa uhNk];tuj;ijr; Rw;wpAs;sJ. mfjpKfhKk; mij mz;ba
gpuNjrglg;gpbg;Gf;fs; eil ngw;wjhf jfty;fs; njhptpf;fpd;wd.
glj;ij ,ir nkU$l;bAs;sJ. vkJ czHTfis kPl;bAs;sJ glj;jpd; gpd;zzp ,ir. ghly;fspy; vkJ kz;zpd; kzk; tPRfpwJ. New;wpUe;Njhk;> miyfspd; Xir jhdb mfjpapd; jha; nkhopahdNj vd;gdtw;iwr; nrhy;yyhk;. Fwpg;ghf fgpyd; ,aw;wpa vy;NyhiuAk; Vw;wpg;Nghf fg;gy;tUkh? vd;w ghlypd; xt;nthU tupAk; ,irAk; kdijj;njhLfpwJ. gid kuepoypy; gfpbfs; NgrpLk; ehs; tUkh? wPfy;
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23
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aho;g;ghzj;J ,isQdhf [Pth tUfpwhH. ey;yNtis aho;ghzj;J ghi~nad;W fijr;R vq;fis ,k;irg;gLj;jhky; ,Ue;jjw;F ed;wpfs;. kzptz;zd; nfhQ;rk; vq;fil ghi~ Ngr Kaw;rp nra;jpUf;fpwhH. mg;gpb ,g;gpbahfj;jhd;. rup tpl;LtpLNtHk;.
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Page 24
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