Sense of betrayal for Jaffna's Tamils

By Priyath Liyanage Editor, BBC Sinhala Service, in Jaffna

Tamils in Jaffna still feel frustrated and under siege

Nearly two years into the Sri Lankan ceasefire, Jaffna seems on the surface to be functioning normally again.

But the more-relaxed security forces and bustling international operations do not tell the whole story.

The Tamils in this northern town still feel frustrated, under siege and at the whim of political manoeuvring further south.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga's decision to take over three ministries on 4 November derailed any prospect of smooth progress in talks between the rebel Tamil Tigers and the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe.

Tamils here say they are fed up with their lives being turned upside down every time a political leader in Colombo changes policies.

"We feel betrayed once again," says an academic at Jaffna University.

"This is what happens every time. The Tamil community becomes the victim of southern political games."

Coastal barrier

The latest uncertainty has only increased the frustration.

Security zones deny locals much-needed access to the sea

It has stopped any new investment commitment in the north.

It also means the army's high security zones remain in place.

Palaly airport is in one of them.

No civilians can live within several kilometres and the roads from it are lined with abandoned houses, schools and temples that cannot be used.

Much of the coast, too, is barred - a source of intense frustration.

The sea has been part of the lives of the people here for generations.

Now the beaches are cordoned off with barbed wire and guarded by armed security forces.

Fishermen operate under heavy restrictions.

Mechanical checks

But the frustrations do not end there.

The derelict Regal cinema echoes the loss of culture

Although few Buddhists live in Jaffna outside the security forces, the Buddhist temple in the centre of the city is one building that has been fully restored.

The library, although also restored, cannot reopen because there is a dispute between the Tamil Tigers and the government.

The old Regal cinema lies in ruins and video parlours that tried to pick up the business were closed by rebels who regarded them as a bad influence.

Despite nearly two years of ceasefire, the Tamils are still angry at the loss of their former lifestyle.

They do not communicate with the security forces.

Many soldiers do not speak Tamil and have little knowledge of the locals.

Their checks are done mechanically - even on the Tamils who work in government offices in the restricted areas.

It is hard to see, as another year ends, the town of Jaffna regaining its former glory any time soon.