‘Emerging situation’ in Kalmunai

Sadly, it is apparent that there is no clear vision or strategy as to how best to handle or engage persons within communities, who have different shades of opinion or different kinds of behaviour

Over the last three days, several well-meaning persons spoke to, and sent messages as well, to me expressing genuine concerns about the remarks made by Ministers and media reports. It was over what was mentioned as the conduct of a group in Kalmunai and in the Eastern Province. 

The matter raised is no doubt a disconcerting one, and one wonders why the Government chose to go to the media with it, without first studying and taking actions to bring the ‘situation’ under control! 

The language used also raises a doubt as to whether it is deliberate, but not categorical, and intended to create panic among the public. Let me hope not.

What may be unknown to the public, however, are stories emerging that the people of the area have brought this concern to the attention of the law enforcement authorities previously. The people there do not want any untoward incident to happen due to such a group being ignored or being allowed a free hand, if it was indeed a group of violent extremists. It is ironical therefore that the law enforcement authorities have thought fit to investigate such a group only now, calling it a ‘Muslim extremist group’ based in Kalmunai, and implying East-wide spread of extremism. That’s a sweeping generalisation of a ‘phenomenon’ which has admittedly not been studied and analysed objectively. 

The tone and tenor of the language aside, the words used to describe such a group also vary according to each media that reported on the concern. Some describe them as fundamentalists, some as extremists, and even some using words that imply aspects of potential terrorism. The remarks made by Ministers have contributed to this dangerous confusion. 

A public impression of this nature created through inappropriate narratives always works to the detriment of the peace loving Muslim community as a minority in this country. 

The Government should be smart, and it should behave responsibly. It’s a puzzle why it has chosen to hog the limelight and for whose benefit. It doesn’t seem to be to help peace loving Muslims at first sight. Some observers have commented that the remarks made and the news reports that followed pointed perilously to a new trend of ‘placating’ or disguising unwittingly the deep state, having failed to unravel it altogether, or perhaps in a vain attempt to be spared of its wrath turning against the authorities. It may be a too dangerous terrain, and let me not venture into it at this stage. 

One doesn’t know which version to believe, however. In a situation where there is continuing trust-deficit, a vulnerable minority has no luxury to believe what is a more comfortable version, or what is best of all worst.  

That, of course, is nothing but a poignant reflection of state of governance or its culture. Hope course-correction would follow. 

Sadly, it is apparent that there is no clear vision or strategy as to how best to handle or engage persons within communities, who have different shades of opinion or different kinds of behaviour -- different to the mainstream ways of life of that community itself, or to the nation as a whole. And to prevent or pre-empt, through apprehending, or neutralising, anyone who is found to be a threat to national security or ethnic or communal harmony. And doing so while respecting the rule of law and due process. 

Deeply hurting, but it seems to be the (re)emerging reality. Unfortunately!