Conflict

I learned from Hasthi that the peace agreement between the LTTE and the government comes to an end on the 16th January 2008. I had no idea. That’s why there had been a couple of bombs recently as these were warning bombs from the LTTE.

Well the LTTE managed to pull off such an atrocity, I still can’t believe it. Down in the south east (not near me), they detonated a bomb when a school bus went past. Apparently, the children that ran from the bus were shot by Tamil tigers. 23 people, I think mostly children, died. I just don’t understand how anyone can bring themselves to commit such acts of cruelty. It makes me so sad and a little but ill that people are capable of that. I think this was in retaliation to a bomb that went off ‘accidentally’ in a school in the Jaffna region (LTTE region) killing children. It’s just like any war, there are atrocities on both sides and a peaceful outcome is unlikely, as long as religion plays a role. It’s really sad because there are plenty of places in the world where people of different religions live peacefully together (Malaysia and other parts of south east Asia, even India appears to be relatively ok). Why can’t this one be resolved? It’s gone on long enough.

The country expected something bad to happen but I don’t think anyone expected this. So everyone is on high alert. I have decided to cancel my trip to Yala National Park, which is apparently the best national park in the country. I was going to stay in a tree hut at an eco lodge that was truly in touch with nature. This was going to be my treat for my last weekend but Yala is in an LTTE area. I’m also going to stay away from public transport. While LTTE don’t target tourists, they don’t actually check the trains or buses first before detonating bombs! The area I’m in is safe and the military and police have stepped up security so hopefully there will be some sort of resolution soon. I believe they have already captured some people and discovered LTTE weapons. So here is hoping for an end soon because the people here have just had enough.