Despicable and deplorable
The incident of assault of students and clash between two groups of students in the Jaffna University in the second week of July cannot be condoned, but irrevocably and strongly condemned. Though the truth which triggered the clash between the two groups of students, resulting in serious injury to one student, who was transferred to the Colombo National Hospital, has not been revealed by the relevant authorities or the law enforcement agencies, in the absence of any official communique, one has to rely to a greater extent on the information which has been dished out by both the print and electronic media.
Though not confirmed, it is patently clear that the clash and the assault was the result of a dispute about a cultural performance organized by a group of students. Though not contributing to the distinction of Sinhala students and Tamil students, I am reluctantly compelled to mention this division as it is a fact that the clash has been over the objection of the Tamil students group, to the performance of a Kandyan dance recital organized by the Sinhala students group, to welcome the freshers. We have experienced clashes amongst students, especially students of all universities in the island, taking to the streets against the university authorities or the Government.There has not been any clash, assaults or disputes, between two groups of ethnic origins in the recent past.
Students of all ethnicities have a right to gain admission to any university in this country. It is the undeniable right of the citizen of this country. Students of any ethnicity cannot and should not claim exclusive dominion over the university they have gained admission to. The Jaffna University which was established in the year 1977 or so, admitted students of all races and religions. Due to the LTTE activities, the Sinhala students were forced to leave the university and they were found alternate admissions in other universities. With this the Jaffna University came to be known as a Tamil university. With the defeat of the LTTE in the year 2009, the university was reopened by 2010, and was once again named the Jaffna University. It is said that students of all races and religions gained admission. Of a total student population of about 6,000, it is said that about 1,000 or so students are Sinhala students. In the Science faculty where the lectures are said to be conducted in English the Sinhala students outnumber the students of other ethnic groups. There was a cordial relationship amongst all students.
Sinhala students were boarded in the houses of Tamil residents living in and around the university premises. Cultural programmes organized by students of various faculties have been conducted without any disputes or disruption. Why was this harmony destroyed? Was there any unseen force who wanted the efforts of the Government thwarted in their pursuit to bring reconciliation, between the majority and minority communities? Students should not become pawns in the hands of any manipulative extreme elements of any colour or shade.
Students should concentrate on their education and become responsible citizens of this country. Student movements have brought mayhem and chaos in many countries. In the North the student’s movement turned out to be a militant movement which gave strength to the LTTE. We have had enough of violence, hatred, killings, strife and distress for the past 30 years or so. We are witnessing some hope of peace and harmony. The Government of the majority community and the right thinking people of this country are fighting against disruptive forces to bring harmony, reconciliation and peace. As students, you should do everything in your command to help this effort without throwing a spanner in the path of the reconciliation process. You have dropped a handful of cow dung into the pot of milk. By your despicable act you have unwittingly given the extremist elements a lever to beat the drum of communalism and hatred. Several extremist elements have whipped up emotions bordering to communalism, expecting a backlash in the other parts of the country. Their efforts have not been successful as majority of the citizens have not fallen into their trap. You should be instruments of peace and not hatred.
It has been confirmed that one of the students belonging to the majority community was severely assaulted and sustained injuries which necessitated treatment at the Colombo National Hospital. It is also reported that one of the members of the Tamil Students’ Movement had surrendered to courts. However it is the duty of the law enforcement officers to investigate this clash and take into custody all students involved in the clash especially those who have caused serious injury to the student who was hospitalised and bring them before courts without any further delay.
The rights of education, speech, religious worship are embodied in the Constitution of our country. Every student, irrespective of caste, creed or race, has the right to choose his medium of education, choose his preference of cultural programs, which cannot be denied by threats, abuse or assault. It is high time that all the students understand the rights of others and live in harmony in all the universities, ensuring the rights of other students. Let us not allow extremist elements of all communities to make use of such incidents to achieve their ulterior motives.