Pedro Arrupe, one of the most dynamic and charismatic Generals in Jesuit history whose vibrant personality and enduring message as spiritual leader continue to inspire Jesuits and non-Jesuits alike, even eighteen years after his death, has almost become reference point to illumine the contemporary issues concerning the various facets of religious life.
The direct experience of the atomic bomb at Hiroshima and his travels throughout the whole world enormously enlarged the breadth of this fascinating Jesuit's vision and expanded the scope of his activity. His unflinching commitment to the cause of the poor and the marginalized by bringing in the justice component to the faith remained like a beacon of light even if it resulted in occasional misunderstandings with the hierarchy of the church.
"Arrupe, an exceptional Charismatic prophet, could see the future. For that reason, he was ahead of many who could not follow his footsteps. He was not only ' a man of his times' but he wished to prepare his men for the third millennium " - Cardinal Tarancon.
" Arrupe is one of the great men of our times. One who, according to the beautiful expression of John XXIII, knew how to see ahead of his time." Gustavo Gutierrez.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
THE NEW POOR TODAY IS THE EARTH
The drive to access and exploit sources of energy and other natural resources is very rapidly widening the damage to earth, air, water and our whole environment to the point that the future of our planet is threatened. Poisoned water, Polluted air, massive deforestation, deposits of atomic and toxic waste are causing death and untold suffering particularly to the poorest. As our Former President Dr. Abdul Kalam would say " The plants can live without humans. But, humans will not live without trees."
THE GENERAL CONGREGATION 35 OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS URGES ALL JESUITS AND ALL THEIR COLLABORATORS AND PARTNERS
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THE GENERAL CONGREGATION 35 OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS URGES ALL JESUITS AND ALL THEIR COLLABORATORS AND PARTNERS
- to have a love for nature and creation and to stand for their due justice
- to stop misusing the natural energies and to develop a sense of discernment toward a good use of them.
- to tap variety of energies and to care for different levels of development
- to consider the environmental destruction as a moral question and to cultivate and celebrate our interconnectedness with nature and cosmos at large
- to prmote studies and practices focusing on the causes of poverty and the improvement of the environment.
- to network with green-movements and to get engaged in political responsiblity toward protection of the environment.
- to invite all people through preaching, teaching and retreat direction to appreciate more deeply our COVENANT WITH CREATION.
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Friday, November 21, 2008
Noyanie
Noyanie
Irudayapuram
Muthur
What happened on the 1st August 2006 was a night mare, un forgetful incident in my life. It made me to think about my life. Is it a life ? Do I need to live like that ? Is it a sin to be born as a Tamil ?
From Irudaypuram we came to Muthur to go to Trincomalee.. Around 1.30 pm, we heard that a navy vessel was attacked. So we went to the convent and stayed with the sisters in Muthur. It was the feast day for Sr. Init, we were happy to join the celebration. Next day early morning around 2 am, we heard the sound of shelling and bombing all around us. The sound continued the morning also. We were so afraid, we clung to together and prayed. Around 12. 30 pm we could hear multi barrel guns falling all over the place. The sound was so much as if it was going to break our heart. The communication was completely cut off. At that time we heard a shell hitting the church, one young boy was killed and many wounded and all the people from the church rushed into the convent. I could still hear the cry of the mother “ Yenda pillayappa “ [That is my son]
We saw some LTTE cadres coming into the church, took the body of the boy and buried him in the land adjacent to the church. By this time we heard the sound of the Kefir planes and the bombs hitting Muthur. We were all sitting inside the toilet room, crying and praying. The selling and bombing continued the whole night.
The same thing happened in the second day also. We were all hungry but we couldn’t come out because of heavy shelling and bombing. We heard the news that the ambulance vehicle which took the injured people was also hit by the bomb and the driver, his wife and others died. It was really a shocking news to all of us since we know the people who died.
The third day, LTTE has asked us to dig bunkers and to stay inside. They have warned us of heavy fighting. We heard the news that the Muslims were leaving the town. So Father, sisters, D.S., G. S., and some of us started moving out with white flag in our hands.
On our way we could see destroyed buildings every where. On the 64th mile post we saw two ambulance vehicle which was hit by the shells.
Near Irudayapuram bridge we were all asked to stand in a line by the LTTE for checking. We sat there with some eatables and water. Suddenly there were shells all over us. All of us started running here and there. 40 to 60 shells came at the same time, Where to run ? Every where shells. Finally we ran into sluggish mud and trapped into the mud up to our hip. I had no energy to run further. But my friend Kamilini helped me and dragged me out. We ran together and there only I understood what friendship is. We could not see any body else. We were so tired and so thirsty, we drank the muddy water and again started to run. We heard the sound of Kefir planes and then we saw it flying just above us. We were the only two there and we were very scared. We ran from there and we met two boys and they gave us some food. From there we got into a truck and we came to Chinnakulam. In Chinnakulam we went to Kamilini’s uncle’s house and only a dead body welcomed us. We did not want to go inside since all were weeping and
crying. For the whole night we were going round and round searching for the people we know. Our legs were swollen and it was so painful to walk. With pain and frustration I prayed to God to take me from this world. Suddenly I saw my father coming towards me. I just embraced him and cried. The joy of seeing him and the pain and suffering, I was crying uncontrollably.
We started to walk, we saw the whole village completely destroyed and bodies scattered and bad smell from every side. With prayer in our lips we walked but prayer refused to come out from my mouth. I walked like a dead body. Suddenly we saw soldiers all around us and they asked us to stop and we stopped. We thought that they were going to shoot us. Seeing the pitiable condition they gave us water and they felt sorry for us. We walked to our village and we could not find people. There is nothing to eat and drink and the army gave us some rice and vegetable. We have heard from others that our group have already reached Trincomalee. So we also started to walk through the forest to reach Trincomalee. We saw elephants and they did not do any harm. May be the animals have more compassion than the human beings. We drank water from the river and on the way some people gave us some cow milk to drink. Finally we reached Alengkeny camp which was maintained by JRS. Their love and care was very much soothing to our body and mind. We stayed there for three days. We heard that my mother and brothers were in St. Xavier’s camp, so I went to that camp to meet them. Now we were all together and that gave me some joy and hope
Irudayapuram
Muthur
What happened on the 1st August 2006 was a night mare, un forgetful incident in my life. It made me to think about my life. Is it a life ? Do I need to live like that ? Is it a sin to be born as a Tamil ?
From Irudaypuram we came to Muthur to go to Trincomalee.. Around 1.30 pm, we heard that a navy vessel was attacked. So we went to the convent and stayed with the sisters in Muthur. It was the feast day for Sr. Init, we were happy to join the celebration. Next day early morning around 2 am, we heard the sound of shelling and bombing all around us. The sound continued the morning also. We were so afraid, we clung to together and prayed. Around 12. 30 pm we could hear multi barrel guns falling all over the place. The sound was so much as if it was going to break our heart. The communication was completely cut off. At that time we heard a shell hitting the church, one young boy was killed and many wounded and all the people from the church rushed into the convent. I could still hear the cry of the mother “ Yenda pillayappa “ [That is my son]
We saw some LTTE cadres coming into the church, took the body of the boy and buried him in the land adjacent to the church. By this time we heard the sound of the Kefir planes and the bombs hitting Muthur. We were all sitting inside the toilet room, crying and praying. The selling and bombing continued the whole night.
The same thing happened in the second day also. We were all hungry but we couldn’t come out because of heavy shelling and bombing. We heard the news that the ambulance vehicle which took the injured people was also hit by the bomb and the driver, his wife and others died. It was really a shocking news to all of us since we know the people who died.
The third day, LTTE has asked us to dig bunkers and to stay inside. They have warned us of heavy fighting. We heard the news that the Muslims were leaving the town. So Father, sisters, D.S., G. S., and some of us started moving out with white flag in our hands.
On our way we could see destroyed buildings every where. On the 64th mile post we saw two ambulance vehicle which was hit by the shells.
Near Irudayapuram bridge we were all asked to stand in a line by the LTTE for checking. We sat there with some eatables and water. Suddenly there were shells all over us. All of us started running here and there. 40 to 60 shells came at the same time, Where to run ? Every where shells. Finally we ran into sluggish mud and trapped into the mud up to our hip. I had no energy to run further. But my friend Kamilini helped me and dragged me out. We ran together and there only I understood what friendship is. We could not see any body else. We were so tired and so thirsty, we drank the muddy water and again started to run. We heard the sound of Kefir planes and then we saw it flying just above us. We were the only two there and we were very scared. We ran from there and we met two boys and they gave us some food. From there we got into a truck and we came to Chinnakulam. In Chinnakulam we went to Kamilini’s uncle’s house and only a dead body welcomed us. We did not want to go inside since all were weeping and
crying. For the whole night we were going round and round searching for the people we know. Our legs were swollen and it was so painful to walk. With pain and frustration I prayed to God to take me from this world. Suddenly I saw my father coming towards me. I just embraced him and cried. The joy of seeing him and the pain and suffering, I was crying uncontrollably.
We started to walk, we saw the whole village completely destroyed and bodies scattered and bad smell from every side. With prayer in our lips we walked but prayer refused to come out from my mouth. I walked like a dead body. Suddenly we saw soldiers all around us and they asked us to stop and we stopped. We thought that they were going to shoot us. Seeing the pitiable condition they gave us water and they felt sorry for us. We walked to our village and we could not find people. There is nothing to eat and drink and the army gave us some rice and vegetable. We have heard from others that our group have already reached Trincomalee. So we also started to walk through the forest to reach Trincomalee. We saw elephants and they did not do any harm. May be the animals have more compassion than the human beings. We drank water from the river and on the way some people gave us some cow milk to drink. Finally we reached Alengkeny camp which was maintained by JRS. Their love and care was very much soothing to our body and mind. We stayed there for three days. We heard that my mother and brothers were in St. Xavier’s camp, so I went to that camp to meet them. Now we were all together and that gave me some joy and hope
NO MORE WAR PLEASE
NO MORE WAR PLEASE
May be I am loosing my humanness. My heart is not responding to the human tragedy with pain and tears as it used to respond earlier. When people tell me their stories of suffering and seeing them living in a wretched conditions, infants and children crawling in sands and mud and when people cry, "no more war please, we don’t want war we want only peace, allow us to live". I just stand and stare at them I have no more compassion to show. The human tragedy now becomes numbers and statistics. I feel like getting away from all this madness.
The Sri Lankan army won the war in Vaharai on the 19th January but what happened latter was the exodus of more than hundred thousand people. At the time I was in Batticaloa listening and crying along with them when they told me their stories of suffering, and showing me their swollen legs because of walking nearly 70 kms in two days through the forest, rivers and thorny bushes.
I visited the camps in Batticaloa on the 10th March along with our International Director, Fr. Lluis Magrina. I could see the IDP’s settled every where schools, churches, and camps with tents and temporary shelters. We could see the people used to the camp life - living in tents, eating their food by sitting in the mud, unclean children with dirty dress studying in the JRS class rooms.
This was the typical response of many women in the camp when we asked them about their life in the camp, " It is too hot inside the tent, outside it is hotter because there are no trees around. It is like living in an owen. We get some rice and dhal but we don’t have vegetables, coconuts or oil. We don’t have kerosene cookers to cook, our children go to forest area to collect fire wood but it is really risky. Many of our children don’t go to school. To sum it all we are living a primitive life. We don’t want this war, can you do something to stop this bloody war" Our response was one of mute silence.
We continue to help the people of some camps with vegetables, fire wood, and other necessary food items.
We ourselves experienced the impact of war which is going on now in the south of Batticaloa. After capturing Vaharai, now the SL Army is in full swing to capture areas of paduvankarai and Pullumalai. The constant shelling and bombing with multi barrel guns and the sound it echoed though out the night and day not only creaked the building of St. Michael’s but also our hearts. We didn’t have peaceful sleep during those days. If it is the condition for the adults what would be the condition of the children ? Another fifty thousand people have already displaced and moved into Batticalao town.
The education system has completely collapsed because of two reasons, one is the schools are filled with the IDP’s, the other reason the Principal of St. Michael’s college informed the radio service, " Out of more than thousand students, only twenty students attended the classes. It is basically because of the sound of shelling and bombing." Even though it is exam time, the government has decided to close the schools in Batticaloa.
After bringing Vaharai under their control the government started resettling the people. Nearly 3405 families with 11506 members are settled. Many of them in their own village but some of them again in the camps since their villages are not cleared from land mines and bombs.
To see this resettlement process we have visited the area with the Bishop of Batticaloa and with other religious leaders on the 23rd March. It is not at all easy to share what we have seen and heard . One thing we can say is the place is completely under the control of the Government. We could see army every where and there is no trace of the LTTE or its offices. New check points and check posts maintained by the army and the police.
We could see the damages done to the trees and buildings because of the shelling. The scene reminds me of the caption I read recently "Not only trees are withering also our hearts". The LTTE burial ground was completely removed and converted into coconut development farm.
We could also see burnt vehicles including tractors, pick ups, vans and motor bikes arranged just in front of the DS office. All the Vaharai people are issued with a special identity card with their photos. It is to restrict any outsiders entering that area.
Some of the schools have already started functioning in Vaharai. We could see happy faces of the children studying. In the primary section we have seen boys and girls in the class room. But in the secondary section we have seen only girls, this was not a surprise to us because the parents still feel it is not safe for the boys to be in Vaharai. They are afraid that the army may round up the boys or the Karuna group may recruit them. This fear has to be cleared from the minds of the parents to bring back normalcy in that region.
We could meet people with two mind sets. Some people are happy and others are sad. Those who have gone back to their own villages are seemed to be happy and the others who are living in the camps are not that happy. They are waiting for their villages to be cleared. We met the civil administrator and he has promised to send all these people to their own village before 31st March. Many of them expressed living here in their village is much better than living in the camps in Batticaloa. We could see the food rations are supplied by the civil administration, and WFP. On the day of our visit Caritas also brought food rations to all the families and it was distributed by the bishop
After that we visited the Vaharai JRS office, we could see only the Skelton building and there was nothing inside. The doors were missing and it was broke open. The JRS name board, tables, chairs, bureaus, files and 20 tailoring machine were missing from the office. It was the case with the other NGO’s and ordinary people. The government spokes person refuted the allegation that it was done by the army. But the question is still hangs around who has done it ?"
We had also discussion with the army commander and civil administrator about the future involvement of NGO.s and JRS in the rehabilitation and development of Vaharai
After Vaharai my next important visit was to Muthur. First we met the people of Sahayapuram and discussed with them about their rehabilitation. The people are still living in the camps and waiting for the clearance from the army to resettle in their own village. We promised them to discuss with the Divisional Secretary about this matter. Then we visited the semi permanent houses we have built for the people of Iruthayapuram. It was a really a happy thing to see the people resettled in their own village.
So far 127 families are given the houses and when we met them in their own houses, we could sense the gratitude by their deeds and words, " Our house was damaged by shelling but now we have home, even though it is small one, we are happy to live in our own home with our children. Now our children are going to school, thanks to JRS for supplying our children with school bags, shoes, note books and stationeries."
Our next visit was to Muthur church where we have put up 35 semi permanent houses for the people of Muthur. During our meeting with the people, they have expressed joy and satisfaction about the houses but at the same time they have expressed their fear about moving outside the church premises.
Next day morning we met the Muthur DS and discussed with him about the resettlement of Sahayapuram and other places. He has promised to resettle this people of
sahayapurm by 10th April. He has also requested JRS to put up semi permanent houses for the resettlement of other villages.
After this we visited one of the biggest camps in Sri Lanka, the Kilivetti camp. More than 561 families 1960 members including 626 children are living in this camps. The people are mostly from Ichalampathai division and Muthur East. Most of them expressed that they have been sent to these camps by force. Even though they have been provided with food, water and toilets facilities, it is really a place people don’t want to live because of various reasons. There is a hope that soon these people would be resettled in their villages.
JRS is organizing pre schools and evening study centers. At present we have 4 centers with 6 teachers and 161 students. Another 10 teachers are taking care of the education and psycho social activates of 464 students. I felt very sad when I met these children because they really look terrible and no one seems to take care of them.
We have also visited two resettlement area Kilikunjumalai and konesapuri in Trincomalee where JRS has put up semi permanent houses for the people. I could see the changes in the lives of the people after having a small home of their own. The children are started going to the school and evening they are studying under the tree with a JRS teacher. . Home garden all around the houses, a small temple and a well they started to dig and we have promised to build the well for them. We have seen normal life in every aspect of life.
May be I am loosing my humanness. My heart is not responding to the human tragedy with pain and tears as it used to respond earlier. When people tell me their stories of suffering and seeing them living in a wretched conditions, infants and children crawling in sands and mud and when people cry, "no more war please, we don’t want war we want only peace, allow us to live". I just stand and stare at them I have no more compassion to show. The human tragedy now becomes numbers and statistics. I feel like getting away from all this madness.
The Sri Lankan army won the war in Vaharai on the 19th January but what happened latter was the exodus of more than hundred thousand people. At the time I was in Batticaloa listening and crying along with them when they told me their stories of suffering, and showing me their swollen legs because of walking nearly 70 kms in two days through the forest, rivers and thorny bushes.
I visited the camps in Batticaloa on the 10th March along with our International Director, Fr. Lluis Magrina. I could see the IDP’s settled every where schools, churches, and camps with tents and temporary shelters. We could see the people used to the camp life - living in tents, eating their food by sitting in the mud, unclean children with dirty dress studying in the JRS class rooms.
This was the typical response of many women in the camp when we asked them about their life in the camp, " It is too hot inside the tent, outside it is hotter because there are no trees around. It is like living in an owen. We get some rice and dhal but we don’t have vegetables, coconuts or oil. We don’t have kerosene cookers to cook, our children go to forest area to collect fire wood but it is really risky. Many of our children don’t go to school. To sum it all we are living a primitive life. We don’t want this war, can you do something to stop this bloody war" Our response was one of mute silence.
We continue to help the people of some camps with vegetables, fire wood, and other necessary food items.
We ourselves experienced the impact of war which is going on now in the south of Batticaloa. After capturing Vaharai, now the SL Army is in full swing to capture areas of paduvankarai and Pullumalai. The constant shelling and bombing with multi barrel guns and the sound it echoed though out the night and day not only creaked the building of St. Michael’s but also our hearts. We didn’t have peaceful sleep during those days. If it is the condition for the adults what would be the condition of the children ? Another fifty thousand people have already displaced and moved into Batticalao town.
The education system has completely collapsed because of two reasons, one is the schools are filled with the IDP’s, the other reason the Principal of St. Michael’s college informed the radio service, " Out of more than thousand students, only twenty students attended the classes. It is basically because of the sound of shelling and bombing." Even though it is exam time, the government has decided to close the schools in Batticaloa.
After bringing Vaharai under their control the government started resettling the people. Nearly 3405 families with 11506 members are settled. Many of them in their own village but some of them again in the camps since their villages are not cleared from land mines and bombs.
To see this resettlement process we have visited the area with the Bishop of Batticaloa and with other religious leaders on the 23rd March. It is not at all easy to share what we have seen and heard . One thing we can say is the place is completely under the control of the Government. We could see army every where and there is no trace of the LTTE or its offices. New check points and check posts maintained by the army and the police.
We could see the damages done to the trees and buildings because of the shelling. The scene reminds me of the caption I read recently "Not only trees are withering also our hearts". The LTTE burial ground was completely removed and converted into coconut development farm.
We could also see burnt vehicles including tractors, pick ups, vans and motor bikes arranged just in front of the DS office. All the Vaharai people are issued with a special identity card with their photos. It is to restrict any outsiders entering that area.
Some of the schools have already started functioning in Vaharai. We could see happy faces of the children studying. In the primary section we have seen boys and girls in the class room. But in the secondary section we have seen only girls, this was not a surprise to us because the parents still feel it is not safe for the boys to be in Vaharai. They are afraid that the army may round up the boys or the Karuna group may recruit them. This fear has to be cleared from the minds of the parents to bring back normalcy in that region.
We could meet people with two mind sets. Some people are happy and others are sad. Those who have gone back to their own villages are seemed to be happy and the others who are living in the camps are not that happy. They are waiting for their villages to be cleared. We met the civil administrator and he has promised to send all these people to their own village before 31st March. Many of them expressed living here in their village is much better than living in the camps in Batticaloa. We could see the food rations are supplied by the civil administration, and WFP. On the day of our visit Caritas also brought food rations to all the families and it was distributed by the bishop
After that we visited the Vaharai JRS office, we could see only the Skelton building and there was nothing inside. The doors were missing and it was broke open. The JRS name board, tables, chairs, bureaus, files and 20 tailoring machine were missing from the office. It was the case with the other NGO’s and ordinary people. The government spokes person refuted the allegation that it was done by the army. But the question is still hangs around who has done it ?"
We had also discussion with the army commander and civil administrator about the future involvement of NGO.s and JRS in the rehabilitation and development of Vaharai
After Vaharai my next important visit was to Muthur. First we met the people of Sahayapuram and discussed with them about their rehabilitation. The people are still living in the camps and waiting for the clearance from the army to resettle in their own village. We promised them to discuss with the Divisional Secretary about this matter. Then we visited the semi permanent houses we have built for the people of Iruthayapuram. It was a really a happy thing to see the people resettled in their own village.
So far 127 families are given the houses and when we met them in their own houses, we could sense the gratitude by their deeds and words, " Our house was damaged by shelling but now we have home, even though it is small one, we are happy to live in our own home with our children. Now our children are going to school, thanks to JRS for supplying our children with school bags, shoes, note books and stationeries."
Our next visit was to Muthur church where we have put up 35 semi permanent houses for the people of Muthur. During our meeting with the people, they have expressed joy and satisfaction about the houses but at the same time they have expressed their fear about moving outside the church premises.
Next day morning we met the Muthur DS and discussed with him about the resettlement of Sahayapuram and other places. He has promised to resettle this people of
sahayapurm by 10th April. He has also requested JRS to put up semi permanent houses for the resettlement of other villages.
After this we visited one of the biggest camps in Sri Lanka, the Kilivetti camp. More than 561 families 1960 members including 626 children are living in this camps. The people are mostly from Ichalampathai division and Muthur East. Most of them expressed that they have been sent to these camps by force. Even though they have been provided with food, water and toilets facilities, it is really a place people don’t want to live because of various reasons. There is a hope that soon these people would be resettled in their villages.
JRS is organizing pre schools and evening study centers. At present we have 4 centers with 6 teachers and 161 students. Another 10 teachers are taking care of the education and psycho social activates of 464 students. I felt very sad when I met these children because they really look terrible and no one seems to take care of them.
We have also visited two resettlement area Kilikunjumalai and konesapuri in Trincomalee where JRS has put up semi permanent houses for the people. I could see the changes in the lives of the people after having a small home of their own. The children are started going to the school and evening they are studying under the tree with a JRS teacher. . Home garden all around the houses, a small temple and a well they started to dig and we have promised to build the well for them. We have seen normal life in every aspect of life.
Nisha
My experiences in Muthur
Miss. Nisha, Muthur coordinator
On the 1st August, 2006 I was traveling from Iruthayapuram [ This is a catholic Tamil village closer to Muthur] to muthur along with Fr. Ignatius, the Parish priest of Muthur. On that day Rev. Sr. Enit Apostolic convent sister from Muthur was celebrating her feast so I went to the convent to wish her happy feast. I stayed in the convent for the night.
Next day 2nd August, morning around 2 am we heard the sounds of bombing and shelling. We were so frightened we stayed inside the convent with sisters and the 22 orphan children. The bombing and shelling continued the whole day. The Tamil population for safety came to St. Anthony’s church. [convent is next building]. But unfortunately shelling started coming into the church and a 4th standard boy Aravind was having his meal and was hit by a shell and died on the spot. Three women were wounded and they were taken to Trinco hospital in two ambulance. The drivers also took their family members in the ambulance. When the ambulance reached 64th mile post, it was hit by a shell and the drivers wife died on the spot and the rest were rescued and send to Batticaloa hospital by the LTTE.
The fighting continued for the next three days. Since the people felt the church was not safe, all the people stayed in the convent. They had nothing to eat and were starving. I had Rs. 8000/- in my hand and I hand it over the sisters to buy necessary food materials. Near the convent, World Vision have a store room and the D.S opened the store room and distributed the food materials to the people. We were so afraid, we were unable to eat. We could see the movements of the LTTE and we heard that the LTTE has taken over Muthur.
On the 5th August, we heard from the D.S that the Muslim people are leaving Muthur. We also decided to leave Muthur. We left Muthur around 9.30 am by foot. On the way there was heavy shelling and we all lay flat on the ground. It happened many times. Near Peryapalam we could see people coming back and we heard from them that the army was not allowing them to proceed. The parish priest, Rev. Sisters, D.S. and the Pastors pleaded with the Army to allow the people to proceed further and finally they allowed us to go. But when we reached 64th mile post the army there again stopped us. The people started praying and crying loudly. May be our prayers were heard or the army took pity on us and allowed us to go.
We reached the LTTE area and the LTTE asked us to come through Chandanavettai [ JRS housing project village]. There the LTTE separated the Women and men. They were thoroughly checking the men and at the same time there was heavy shelling and many people who came with us died on that place. Because of the shelling we all fled in different direction and some of us reached Kilivetti school by 6.30 pm. Around 7.30 pm Fr. Diaz [ Trinco Caritas Director] and his staff members came with 10 vehicles. We all got into the vehicle and traveling towards Trincomalee and near Aliolzuva the displaced Muslims stopped us and that they should also be taken into our vehicle. Somehow we managed and reached Trincomalee around 10.30 pm. We are now in the St. Joseph’s college camp.
I thought that I may not see any of you again. When heavy shelling was taking place I asked the boy who was walking with me what they would do if I was wounded? Before he could answer the shell hit him and he died on the spot. I am feeling much better after talking with you all. God has given me 2nd life and I want to spend my life in a meaningful way.
I and my staff members were worried since we couldn’t make contact with her after 2nd August. We were relieved when we heard her voice on the phone on the 5th around 10 pm when she was traveling towards Trincomalee. Nisha has lost her aunt but she could make contact with her parents and they are safe. On the 6th she attended the office in Trincomalee and started working in the city camps. The other staffs are also safe and they are in St. Joseph’s college camp.
Miss. Nisha, Muthur coordinator
On the 1st August, 2006 I was traveling from Iruthayapuram [ This is a catholic Tamil village closer to Muthur] to muthur along with Fr. Ignatius, the Parish priest of Muthur. On that day Rev. Sr. Enit Apostolic convent sister from Muthur was celebrating her feast so I went to the convent to wish her happy feast. I stayed in the convent for the night.
Next day 2nd August, morning around 2 am we heard the sounds of bombing and shelling. We were so frightened we stayed inside the convent with sisters and the 22 orphan children. The bombing and shelling continued the whole day. The Tamil population for safety came to St. Anthony’s church. [convent is next building]. But unfortunately shelling started coming into the church and a 4th standard boy Aravind was having his meal and was hit by a shell and died on the spot. Three women were wounded and they were taken to Trinco hospital in two ambulance. The drivers also took their family members in the ambulance. When the ambulance reached 64th mile post, it was hit by a shell and the drivers wife died on the spot and the rest were rescued and send to Batticaloa hospital by the LTTE.
The fighting continued for the next three days. Since the people felt the church was not safe, all the people stayed in the convent. They had nothing to eat and were starving. I had Rs. 8000/- in my hand and I hand it over the sisters to buy necessary food materials. Near the convent, World Vision have a store room and the D.S opened the store room and distributed the food materials to the people. We were so afraid, we were unable to eat. We could see the movements of the LTTE and we heard that the LTTE has taken over Muthur.
On the 5th August, we heard from the D.S that the Muslim people are leaving Muthur. We also decided to leave Muthur. We left Muthur around 9.30 am by foot. On the way there was heavy shelling and we all lay flat on the ground. It happened many times. Near Peryapalam we could see people coming back and we heard from them that the army was not allowing them to proceed. The parish priest, Rev. Sisters, D.S. and the Pastors pleaded with the Army to allow the people to proceed further and finally they allowed us to go. But when we reached 64th mile post the army there again stopped us. The people started praying and crying loudly. May be our prayers were heard or the army took pity on us and allowed us to go.
We reached the LTTE area and the LTTE asked us to come through Chandanavettai [ JRS housing project village]. There the LTTE separated the Women and men. They were thoroughly checking the men and at the same time there was heavy shelling and many people who came with us died on that place. Because of the shelling we all fled in different direction and some of us reached Kilivetti school by 6.30 pm. Around 7.30 pm Fr. Diaz [ Trinco Caritas Director] and his staff members came with 10 vehicles. We all got into the vehicle and traveling towards Trincomalee and near Aliolzuva the displaced Muslims stopped us and that they should also be taken into our vehicle. Somehow we managed and reached Trincomalee around 10.30 pm. We are now in the St. Joseph’s college camp.
I thought that I may not see any of you again. When heavy shelling was taking place I asked the boy who was walking with me what they would do if I was wounded? Before he could answer the shell hit him and he died on the spot. I am feeling much better after talking with you all. God has given me 2nd life and I want to spend my life in a meaningful way.
I and my staff members were worried since we couldn’t make contact with her after 2nd August. We were relieved when we heard her voice on the phone on the 5th around 10 pm when she was traveling towards Trincomalee. Nisha has lost her aunt but she could make contact with her parents and they are safe. On the 6th she attended the office in Trincomalee and started working in the city camps. The other staffs are also safe and they are in St. Joseph’s college camp.
Lord Lord why have you forsaken us ?
Lord, Lord why have you forsaken us ?
This time on the 30th May, I traveled to Vavuniya. That day was an important day for 24 young girls. These girls after two months of hard training in screen printing exhibited their talents in front of NGO’s & VIP’s. The girls were awarded a certificate. We have planned to provide loan to some of these young girls to start self employment under livelihood program.
After lunch we visited Achipuram, the new resettlement village and met the Tailoring centre girls and discussed with them about their life and the challenges they were facing in the new environment. We have also dug a common well for the residence of Achipuram spending more than Rs. 200,000/-
As planned we had our staff meeting in the evening. We evaluated our programs and also discussed about the current situation in Vavuniya. We all felt that all our staff and teachers need some training in “ How to respond in an emergency situation ?”
Next day morning I left for Mannar. On the way, on a way side chapel I celebrated Mass for around 50 people. There are three new check points introduced in the 80 km road. In the check points, people have to carry their bags, get down from the bus and walk. Only after their identity card (IC) verification they are allowed to get into the bus. Now it is very difficult for the people to travel. In Mannar, there are many people living without IC. They are living in constant fear of being caught by the police and army. Since I was in cassock and our vehicle had a flag, we passed through the check points without difficulty.
The first day in Mannar I spent my time in Chavarkattu. This place is almost in Mannar town but it is a slum where the low caste community live. They have never seen in their life any development and also not visited by any NGO’s or other VIP’s. JRS entered that area in August 2005 and started different projects for the people. Within a year there is a total transformation of the place and people. First I met the beneficiaries of the housing scheme and discussed with them about their life and the project. The next meeting was with the young girls from the tailoring centre. Then I met the self help group beneficiaries and finally the evening study centre children. During the meeting one young girl remarked, “we are like out caste, nobody visits us or talk to us. Now there are so many visitors. We have already got a good house, road and we are going to get water supply.” But what touched me was, “Because of your presence here with us, we are some body. People started respecting us and we feel dignified. We were afraid to bring out our talents because of our low self esteem, now we have come to know our talents and it really give us joy and fulfillment.”
The next day my first visit was to the special need children’s centre in Mannar town. From there I went to Chemmantheevu for the leadership program. The next meeting was in Pontheevukandal. There I met the ESC children and parents and discussed with them about the educational program of JRS. Then went to Kalimottai IDP camp and met the ESC children. Finally we went to Parikarikandal and met the young girls of our Tailoring centre. Even though the programs are running well, there are lot of absentees due to the uncertain situation prevailing in the country
.
On the 2nd June all our staff from Mannar, Madu and Vidatheltheevu came for the staff meeting. The main focus of our discussion was the current situation in Mannar and our response in case of emergency displacement. Our staff from Madu brought to our notice that the people from the border villages Parapankandal and Chinnakulam have already moved to the interior villages of the un cleared area. We asked our staff to collect the data’s. It was also brought to our notice by our staff that LTTE has forced people from the un cleared area to join the LTTE. Our staffs did not experience major problem in continuing our work in Mannar districts. After lunch I visited evening study center and self help group in Pallimunai.
The next day, I met the pre school and evening study center teachers and discussed with them about the current situation. I explained to them that in case of forceful displacement of people they have to work as emergency volunteers. Without any hesitation our teachers accepted the proposal. Some training was given to cope with emergency situation. After lunch I met the JRS counselors and issued the JRS identity card.. They explained to me the difficulties of traveling and I have asked them to develop an emergency counseling package. The next meeting was with the production center girls. The unit functions without any serious problem.
I could see a kind of gloom have already set in in the minds of the staff, teachers and counselors. They were all disheartened and disillusioned by the present situation. I felt my main agenda during this visit was to give hope to people and I did precisely that in all my meetings and talks. After the meeting I went to the Bishop house and to the new JRS office site and returned to JRS office via stadium road around 7 pm. Hardly 10 minutes passed I heard loud noise followed by spraying of bullet sounds. It was so close to us that we have no other choice except to run to the church. It was a claymore attack on the army near the stadium and three soldiers were seriously wounded and followed by soldiers firing all around the place and one Muslim man was shot dead. Around 9 pm women and children started coming to the parish priest with tears saying that their husband/ fathers were remanded by the army near the check points. The Bishop and the parish priest have directly intervened to release the people. That night the proposed Pentecost vigil services arranged in all the churches were canceled.
.
The final day in Mannar I went to Pesalai and met the beneficiaries of our housing project. Fisheries Development Unit was inaugurated for these people under Livelihood project and decided to give loan to buy prawns fishing nets. I also discussed with the Self help group in Pesalai about their expectations and their life.
Later I met the displaced people from Trincomalee. At present there are nearly 90 families in Talaimannar and 77 families in Mannar waiting to go to India. After the out break of violence 1571 persons have arrived in India. On 19th May 10 persons drowned following the capsizing of a boat and another 20 passengers on a boat was rescued on 21st May. The families awaiting onward transportation from Mannar are not dissuaded by recent deaths. Having paid around Rs. 8000/- for their passage, many have sold their possessions to fund the trip. Now the government is not allowing these people to go but the people are determined to go. Their only argument is that their life is not safe in Trincomalee. They would rather stay in Mannar than go to Trincomalee.
The next day morning I left for the un cleared areas of Adampan, Arcatveli and Vidatheltheevu via the Uylankulam check point. I passed through the Army and LTTE check point without any difficulty. Normally I meet the members of the village development unit on the road. But this time I did not come across any of them. Later I have heard that these persons have been forced to take training in the LTTE. It is compulsory for one member from each family to join the LTTE.
I met our teachers in Adampan and discussed with them about the education program and the emergency response and the present condition in the un cleared areas. The words of the teachers clearly expressed their negative atmosphere, “The people on the whole don’t want a war but the war is imminent. This may be the final war and we have no other choice except to sacrifice our lives and our loved ones.” After this I participated in the cultural program of the scholarship children and the orphanage students. In the evening around 4 pm a meeting was arranged for the leaders of the village development unit. Out of the 86 leaders from 28 villages only 23 participated and most of them were above 50 years old. The others have either gone for the training or afraid to come out of the house.
The next day I went to Vidatheltheevu. This was the first time I have come across ordinary people participating in the training. The training program was organized very close to our Life skill center. I could see persons of all ages taking arms training. In spite of the preparation for war all our programs are going on well. The no of students attending our pre schools and evening study centers are much less than the total strength. I met the life skill center girls, the teachers and the students and enkindled in them the spirit of hope and courage.
The next day morning I heard the news of bomb blast in Uylankulam army check point and consequently they have closed the points. All transport and movements of people were stopped. The no of causalities no one knows except the army. After Lunch time they have reopened the check points and I passed through and came to Mannar. Two of our staff members met with the bike accident.
The next day morning on my way to Vavuniya, I went to Vankalai to see Miss. Kisanthi who met with the accident. She is ok but needs to take few days rest. I had my break fast in her house and left Vankalai around 7. 30 am. Around 8 am I got the news that the police and the army closed all the roads leading towards and out of Vankalai because of the murder of 4 members of the same family. This particular family is well known to me and just a year back they returned from India. The man was stabbed and hanged and his son and daughter 13 and 8 years old were stabbed and hanged and the wife was stabbed in many places and thrown out. Most of the families from the particular area recently started sleeping in the church because of its proximity to the army camp. But that particular night this family did not go to the church to sleep. Who is responsible for this dreadful crime ? So many innocent victims are killed every day, commissions are appointed but what about the truth ? The people can only cry “ Lord, Lord why have you forsaken us ?
This time on the 30th May, I traveled to Vavuniya. That day was an important day for 24 young girls. These girls after two months of hard training in screen printing exhibited their talents in front of NGO’s & VIP’s. The girls were awarded a certificate. We have planned to provide loan to some of these young girls to start self employment under livelihood program.
After lunch we visited Achipuram, the new resettlement village and met the Tailoring centre girls and discussed with them about their life and the challenges they were facing in the new environment. We have also dug a common well for the residence of Achipuram spending more than Rs. 200,000/-
As planned we had our staff meeting in the evening. We evaluated our programs and also discussed about the current situation in Vavuniya. We all felt that all our staff and teachers need some training in “ How to respond in an emergency situation ?”
Next day morning I left for Mannar. On the way, on a way side chapel I celebrated Mass for around 50 people. There are three new check points introduced in the 80 km road. In the check points, people have to carry their bags, get down from the bus and walk. Only after their identity card (IC) verification they are allowed to get into the bus. Now it is very difficult for the people to travel. In Mannar, there are many people living without IC. They are living in constant fear of being caught by the police and army. Since I was in cassock and our vehicle had a flag, we passed through the check points without difficulty.
The first day in Mannar I spent my time in Chavarkattu. This place is almost in Mannar town but it is a slum where the low caste community live. They have never seen in their life any development and also not visited by any NGO’s or other VIP’s. JRS entered that area in August 2005 and started different projects for the people. Within a year there is a total transformation of the place and people. First I met the beneficiaries of the housing scheme and discussed with them about their life and the project. The next meeting was with the young girls from the tailoring centre. Then I met the self help group beneficiaries and finally the evening study centre children. During the meeting one young girl remarked, “we are like out caste, nobody visits us or talk to us. Now there are so many visitors. We have already got a good house, road and we are going to get water supply.” But what touched me was, “Because of your presence here with us, we are some body. People started respecting us and we feel dignified. We were afraid to bring out our talents because of our low self esteem, now we have come to know our talents and it really give us joy and fulfillment.”
The next day my first visit was to the special need children’s centre in Mannar town. From there I went to Chemmantheevu for the leadership program. The next meeting was in Pontheevukandal. There I met the ESC children and parents and discussed with them about the educational program of JRS. Then went to Kalimottai IDP camp and met the ESC children. Finally we went to Parikarikandal and met the young girls of our Tailoring centre. Even though the programs are running well, there are lot of absentees due to the uncertain situation prevailing in the country
.
On the 2nd June all our staff from Mannar, Madu and Vidatheltheevu came for the staff meeting. The main focus of our discussion was the current situation in Mannar and our response in case of emergency displacement. Our staff from Madu brought to our notice that the people from the border villages Parapankandal and Chinnakulam have already moved to the interior villages of the un cleared area. We asked our staff to collect the data’s. It was also brought to our notice by our staff that LTTE has forced people from the un cleared area to join the LTTE. Our staffs did not experience major problem in continuing our work in Mannar districts. After lunch I visited evening study center and self help group in Pallimunai.
The next day, I met the pre school and evening study center teachers and discussed with them about the current situation. I explained to them that in case of forceful displacement of people they have to work as emergency volunteers. Without any hesitation our teachers accepted the proposal. Some training was given to cope with emergency situation. After lunch I met the JRS counselors and issued the JRS identity card.. They explained to me the difficulties of traveling and I have asked them to develop an emergency counseling package. The next meeting was with the production center girls. The unit functions without any serious problem.
I could see a kind of gloom have already set in in the minds of the staff, teachers and counselors. They were all disheartened and disillusioned by the present situation. I felt my main agenda during this visit was to give hope to people and I did precisely that in all my meetings and talks. After the meeting I went to the Bishop house and to the new JRS office site and returned to JRS office via stadium road around 7 pm. Hardly 10 minutes passed I heard loud noise followed by spraying of bullet sounds. It was so close to us that we have no other choice except to run to the church. It was a claymore attack on the army near the stadium and three soldiers were seriously wounded and followed by soldiers firing all around the place and one Muslim man was shot dead. Around 9 pm women and children started coming to the parish priest with tears saying that their husband/ fathers were remanded by the army near the check points. The Bishop and the parish priest have directly intervened to release the people. That night the proposed Pentecost vigil services arranged in all the churches were canceled.
.
The final day in Mannar I went to Pesalai and met the beneficiaries of our housing project. Fisheries Development Unit was inaugurated for these people under Livelihood project and decided to give loan to buy prawns fishing nets. I also discussed with the Self help group in Pesalai about their expectations and their life.
Later I met the displaced people from Trincomalee. At present there are nearly 90 families in Talaimannar and 77 families in Mannar waiting to go to India. After the out break of violence 1571 persons have arrived in India. On 19th May 10 persons drowned following the capsizing of a boat and another 20 passengers on a boat was rescued on 21st May. The families awaiting onward transportation from Mannar are not dissuaded by recent deaths. Having paid around Rs. 8000/- for their passage, many have sold their possessions to fund the trip. Now the government is not allowing these people to go but the people are determined to go. Their only argument is that their life is not safe in Trincomalee. They would rather stay in Mannar than go to Trincomalee.
The next day morning I left for the un cleared areas of Adampan, Arcatveli and Vidatheltheevu via the Uylankulam check point. I passed through the Army and LTTE check point without any difficulty. Normally I meet the members of the village development unit on the road. But this time I did not come across any of them. Later I have heard that these persons have been forced to take training in the LTTE. It is compulsory for one member from each family to join the LTTE.
I met our teachers in Adampan and discussed with them about the education program and the emergency response and the present condition in the un cleared areas. The words of the teachers clearly expressed their negative atmosphere, “The people on the whole don’t want a war but the war is imminent. This may be the final war and we have no other choice except to sacrifice our lives and our loved ones.” After this I participated in the cultural program of the scholarship children and the orphanage students. In the evening around 4 pm a meeting was arranged for the leaders of the village development unit. Out of the 86 leaders from 28 villages only 23 participated and most of them were above 50 years old. The others have either gone for the training or afraid to come out of the house.
The next day I went to Vidatheltheevu. This was the first time I have come across ordinary people participating in the training. The training program was organized very close to our Life skill center. I could see persons of all ages taking arms training. In spite of the preparation for war all our programs are going on well. The no of students attending our pre schools and evening study centers are much less than the total strength. I met the life skill center girls, the teachers and the students and enkindled in them the spirit of hope and courage.
The next day morning I heard the news of bomb blast in Uylankulam army check point and consequently they have closed the points. All transport and movements of people were stopped. The no of causalities no one knows except the army. After Lunch time they have reopened the check points and I passed through and came to Mannar. Two of our staff members met with the bike accident.
The next day morning on my way to Vavuniya, I went to Vankalai to see Miss. Kisanthi who met with the accident. She is ok but needs to take few days rest. I had my break fast in her house and left Vankalai around 7. 30 am. Around 8 am I got the news that the police and the army closed all the roads leading towards and out of Vankalai because of the murder of 4 members of the same family. This particular family is well known to me and just a year back they returned from India. The man was stabbed and hanged and his son and daughter 13 and 8 years old were stabbed and hanged and the wife was stabbed in many places and thrown out. Most of the families from the particular area recently started sleeping in the church because of its proximity to the army camp. But that particular night this family did not go to the church to sleep. Who is responsible for this dreadful crime ? So many innocent victims are killed every day, commissions are appointed but what about the truth ? The people can only cry “ Lord, Lord why have you forsaken us ?
Jesmika and Jeksika
Jesmika and Jeksika
These are the names of the twins born in the Batticaloa hospital on the 24th June 2006. The twins’ father Mr. Joseph Selvarathinam and mother Mrs. Oviamalar are from the village Irudayapuram, Muthur. Their ordeal of displacement started when the first Ariel bomb fell in sambur Nearly two months they were moving from one place to another. When heavy shelling was taking place in Vaharai, Mrs. Oviamalar while running away fell down and got the labor pain. She was rushed to the Valaichennai hospital and from their transferred to Batticaloa hospital. As the twins were born before the expected dates, the children were kept in the hospital for 23 days. Now they are in the Valaichennai camp. “Nearly 50 kilometers I walked and ran with the twins in my stomach. Many a times I starved without food and water. At night I slept under the trees. Now I am relieved, Jesus was born in a manger and my children are in a camp and I think both are the same.” In the Valaichennai camp there are five children born like this. There are hundreds of children born as refugees.
I am just reproducing the report of our teacher M.Premila who is doing education and psycho social activities in Kinnya camp. “I could feel most of the people are emotionally upset. It is because of the separation of the loved ones, some are missing and some are still in the village and some are in the camps and nearly 30 adults are arrested by the army We ran away without taking any thing. We don’t have any extra dress to change. We don’t have any inner garments says some young girls.” They have asked our help to bring back the stranded members of their families from the villages. “During the heavy shelling our family members ran in different direction. We took the forest route and finally landed in Trinco and we hope some our family members reached Valaichennai and Batticaloa. We are very anxious to hear about them.” “ My husband was one among the 30 arrested by the army. This is the first time I am separated from my husband” cried a young married woman. I listened to them, cried with them and gave them hope. I also played with the children and taught them some songs. After two days I went to the camp again and I could see smiles in all their faces. The reason is all the 30 people arrested are released. They shared their happiness with me. . Being part of their sorrows and happiness made me feel one with them. I felt so happy. I can never forget this day in my life. In another incident the mother with three days old daughter ran nearly 50 k.m. The husband is still missing. Another lady gave birth to her first child in the camp. They don’t have a separate place even to give milk to their children. Another girl 17 years old, 8 months pregnant, lost her husband in the war and separated from her father and mother. I felt so sad to hear their life experiences and I could do nothing except to put my arms around them and cry with them, When I was coming out of the camp, I prayed to God that this kind of displacement should not happen again to these people.
These are the names of the twins born in the Batticaloa hospital on the 24th June 2006. The twins’ father Mr. Joseph Selvarathinam and mother Mrs. Oviamalar are from the village Irudayapuram, Muthur. Their ordeal of displacement started when the first Ariel bomb fell in sambur Nearly two months they were moving from one place to another. When heavy shelling was taking place in Vaharai, Mrs. Oviamalar while running away fell down and got the labor pain. She was rushed to the Valaichennai hospital and from their transferred to Batticaloa hospital. As the twins were born before the expected dates, the children were kept in the hospital for 23 days. Now they are in the Valaichennai camp. “Nearly 50 kilometers I walked and ran with the twins in my stomach. Many a times I starved without food and water. At night I slept under the trees. Now I am relieved, Jesus was born in a manger and my children are in a camp and I think both are the same.” In the Valaichennai camp there are five children born like this. There are hundreds of children born as refugees.
I am just reproducing the report of our teacher M.Premila who is doing education and psycho social activities in Kinnya camp. “I could feel most of the people are emotionally upset. It is because of the separation of the loved ones, some are missing and some are still in the village and some are in the camps and nearly 30 adults are arrested by the army We ran away without taking any thing. We don’t have any extra dress to change. We don’t have any inner garments says some young girls.” They have asked our help to bring back the stranded members of their families from the villages. “During the heavy shelling our family members ran in different direction. We took the forest route and finally landed in Trinco and we hope some our family members reached Valaichennai and Batticaloa. We are very anxious to hear about them.” “ My husband was one among the 30 arrested by the army. This is the first time I am separated from my husband” cried a young married woman. I listened to them, cried with them and gave them hope. I also played with the children and taught them some songs. After two days I went to the camp again and I could see smiles in all their faces. The reason is all the 30 people arrested are released. They shared their happiness with me. . Being part of their sorrows and happiness made me feel one with them. I felt so happy. I can never forget this day in my life. In another incident the mother with three days old daughter ran nearly 50 k.m. The husband is still missing. Another lady gave birth to her first child in the camp. They don’t have a separate place even to give milk to their children. Another girl 17 years old, 8 months pregnant, lost her husband in the war and separated from her father and mother. I felt so sad to hear their life experiences and I could do nothing except to put my arms around them and cry with them, When I was coming out of the camp, I prayed to God that this kind of displacement should not happen again to these people.
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