Sri Lanka

Tamil Tigers Lose Crucial Battleground

Government troops in northern Sri Lanka uncovered a 200-meter airstrip on Thursday. It is believed that the Air Tigers used it for many of their bombings across the country. Meanwhile, battles in Kulmulamunai and Mullaitivu resulted in government victories. The 59 Division has fully captured the village of Kulmulamunai, which happens to be a strategically vital victory.

The Tigers have been fighting the government since 1983. Their goal is to break away and establish an independent state for the country’s ethnic minority, the Tamils. The government is controlled by the Sinhalas. So far more than 70,000 people have died in the violence. The Tamils do not identify themselves with the Sinhalas and this has caused a long lasting civil war within Sri Lanka. Discriminatory laws against the Tamils, in the past, have caused chaos amongst the people. The Tamils are rooted in their beliefs and will not be swayed by violence. These people want independence and will fight until they achieve it. With the recent advances by the Sinhalese-run government, the Tamils’ hopes are slowly fading. The losses of Kulmulamunai and Mullaitivu could be lethal to their dream of an independent Tamil state.

Identity

http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/11/21/fea03.asp

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7733169.stm

November 21, 2008 at 11:26 am