Q: Why did your party signed a MoU with the ruling UPFA to contest the east polls?
A: Today, we are a political party recognized by the Elections Commissioner. Civil society activists, religious leaders and intellectuals in the east requested us to contest the polls. In the beginning, we decided to field candidates independently. After seeing our strength, the government reached an agreement with us. That means the people of the east as well as the present regime are trusting us. Minister Susil Premajayantha signed the MoU on behalf of the government. For the Batticaloa MC, we are contesting with the government. For the seven Pradeshiya Sabhas, we are fielding candidates under the ‘boat’ symbol.
The other thing is we are joining forces with the government not because we accept its policies. We don’t agree with its policies. We have different policies. Our aim is the development of Batticaloa.
Q: Earlier, you were part of the coalition formed by Tamil political parties of the area to contest the polls?
A: We held talks with the EPDP, EPRLF and TELO to contest the election. However, civil society activists and intellectuals of Batticaloa wanted us to contest on our own, to which we agreed. The area cannot be developed after solving its problems without working with the government. The burning problems of Batticaloa people cannot be solved as an opposition party. Muslim parties are addressing the grievances of their community while working with the government.
Q: Although you are recognized as a political party, you still have an armed wing?
A: After we broke away from the LTTE, we were able to drive its members away from the east. We have armed ourselves for self defence as we expect attacks from them. After we gain democratic power, we will lay down arms gradually. Our main objective is the upliftment of the eastern people.
Q: However, you have been accused of murders, abductions, extortions and other human rights violations in the east?
A: We have armed ourselves in accordance with the law for a reason. All other groups have taken up arms unlawfully. Most groups try to disrupt civilian life in the east and put the blame on us. All of them know that we will emerge winner at the election. They cannot beat TMVP at an election. The other thing is that we are not a communalistic party. Our candidates include Muslims of the area as well as women in a display of our adherence to democratic norms. We did that after seeking public opinion through suggestion boxes placed at religious places.
Q: But, there are allegations that it was your members who filled those boxes with suggestions of your own choice?
A: That is incorrect. Such a thing did not happen. That was a false allegation by our opponents.
Q: Is there a division in your leadership?
A: There is no such division. It was to fulfill the aspirations of the eastern people that we broke away from the LTTE. The party is still functioning under the leadership of Pillayan. Karuna Amman was our founder leader. We still have his picture at our offices. One day, the truth will come out.
Q: Is your party extending fullest support for the conduct of a free and fair election in the east?
A: Definitely. This election should be conducted in a free and fair manner. Our party’s holding arms will not have an impact. That is certain. The other thing is that we are willing to support the monitoring of the election.
Article & pic. by Athula Vithanage
athulav@gmail.com
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