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உங்கள் கவனத்திற்கு: Live Chat on CBC

Featured Replies

வாய்ப்புக் கிடைப்ப‌வ‌ர்க‌ள் இந்த (live chat) இல் இன்று வியாழ‌ன் மே 14, 2009 காலை 10:30 - 11:30 (வ‌ட‌ அமெரிக்க கிழ‌க்கு நேர‌ம்) க‌ல‌ந்து கொள்ளுங்க‌ள். பின்வ‌ரும் இணைப்பு மூல‌ம் இந்த‌ (live chat)ஐ அடைய‌முடியும்.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/05/13/...milprotest.html

இதில் க‌ல‌ந்து கொள்ளும் சிற‌ப்பு விருந்தின‌ர்க‌ளைப் (கேள்விக‌ளுக்கு ப‌தில‌ளிப்போர்) ப‌ற்றி என‌க்குத் தெரியாது. (தெரிந்த‌வ‌ர்க‌ள் இவ‌ர்க‌ளின் அர‌சிய‌ல் சார்பு ப‌ற்றி தெரிவியுங்க‌ள்)ஆக‌வே க‌வ‌னித்து, த‌மிழ‌ருக்குச் சார்பாக‌ அமைய‌க்கூடிய‌ வ‌கையில் கேள்விக‌ள் கேட்க‌ப்ப‌ட‌வேண்டும்.

நன்றி!

  • தொடங்கியவர்

எனக்கு பங்குபற்ற வாய்ப்பு கிடைக்கவில்லை. உரையாடல் நிறைவடைந்துள்ளது. நடைபெற்ற உரையாடல்:

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF:

Welcome everyone to our live chat on the Tamil protests. Thank you for joining us.

10:32

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF:

Today our guests will be available to answer your questions:

* Aparna Sundar is an assistant professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University. Her research covers social movements in the Global South, as well as working-class immigrant organisation in Toronto.

* Phillip Koneswaran is the vice-president of International Tamil Radio.

10:32

[Comment From Guest]

Thank You CBC for providing an opportunity to voice our concerns

10:32

[Comment From TamilGirl]

Hi there,

10:33

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Thanks to both of our guests for joining us. Here are their bios and photos. Looking forward to today's chat.

10:33

10:33

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Aparna Sundar is an Assistant Professor in the Dept of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University. Her research interests include social movements, development, the politics of South Asia, and immigrant politics in Canada. She is a member of the recently formed group "Canadian Academics for Tamil Rights."

10:33

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10:33

Phillip P Koneswara: Thank you for having me here.

10:33

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Phillip serves as VP for International Tamil Radio, Canada’s Tamil radio broadcasting to Ottawa, Montreal and the European continent.

10:33

Aparna Sundar: thanks for having me.

10:34

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF: First of all, for our experts: Can you pelase explain what the protests are about and where they are taking place?

10:34

[Comment From Guest]

Hi, I am Tamil Canadian.

10:36

Aparna Sundar: The protests are calling for a ceasefire in the bombing and killing of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka, and for humanitarina aid tto be allowed in to the region to help the thousands hurt, displaced, and starving. They are being held everywhere, in many cities in Canada and across the world.

10:36

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: For some context to those joining us, Tamil protesters have staged demonstrations throughout the country in the last week. Here are some links to CBC News stories that can provide more info.

10:36

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Tamil-Canadians stage protest at Ont. legislature

10:36

Phillip P Koneswara: Waran, I believe that the current problem revolves around what is defined as terrorism. Moreover it is also important for Canadian Tamils to understand that individual politicians or the Police cannot deviate from what the law prescribes.

10:37

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Tamils crowd downtown Toronto streets on Wednesay: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/200...-wednesday.html

10:37

[Comment From Guest]

Good Morning to you all, Just like to have an update on what changes or impact this protest has implemented. I am hearing a lot of talks but has there been any type of action in place?

10:37

Do you support The Tamil protests in Canada even if they disrupt traffic?

Yes

( 88% )

No

( 12% )

10:38

Aparna Sundar:

Yesterday, for the first time the UN Security Council actually had a formal discussion on SL and made a call for a ceasefire. This is a big change from all these months, when countries like Russia and China have resisted any such unanimous call.

10:38

Phillip P Koneswara: The UN is to call an emergency meeting of the Human Rights council to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka. The US has repeated its call for a permanent ceasefire. At this time, all Tamils want is Sri Lanka to allow foreign aid workers and journalists into the war region.

10:38

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Take a moment to answer our latest Your Vote. Here's a video one of our readers sent in from the weekend's protest on the Gardiner expressway.

10:38

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Tamil protests block the Gardiner expressway.

10:38

[Comment From Guest]

So, what does Canada can do then to help and solve this humanitarian crisis?

10:39

[Comment From Guest]

Because I hear many saying that there is nothing Canada can do...

10:39

[Comment From Guest]

And there is no use in Tamils protesting for their cause

10:39

Phillip P Koneswara: I would also like to add Aparna that Russia and China are not very high on Human Rights issues either. So their lack of concern over the issue in Sri Lanka is not surprising.

10:40

[Comment From Anusha]

canada can do a whole lot

10:40

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Our latest question from Guest raises a great point. Phillip, Aparna - what can the government of Canada actually do in this situation?

10:40

Phillip P Koneswara: Yes there is use of Tamils protesting in Canada. We export and import millions of dollars of trade each year with Sri Lanka. We can financially cripple the country.

10:40

Aparna Sundar: Canada is seen as a peacekeeping country. It has sent experts to Sri Lanka with regard to the conflct on two occasions in the part. It is also powerful economically. It can take a leadign role in the international community to call for a ceasefire, and push for international media, observers and aid to be allowed in.

10:41

[Comment From jeevan]

Why cant Canada bring up Sri lanka in the commonwealth member countries meeting? Similar to what was don to Zimbabwe?

10:41

[Comment From Siva]

As a Tamil Canadian who had been participating on many Demonstrations since Jan 2009, yesterday for the 1st time we heard President Obama addressed our concerns at White House, all Tamils living across the world are now realizing that our voices are being heard. What can we expect as the next course of action which will be taken by US Government & other countries who are insisting SL to bring this conflict to end?

10:41

Phillip P Koneswara: I believe strongly that Canada can place financial sanctions, travel restrictions as well as cease diplomatic representations until Sri Lanka allows the media to enter the war region

10:42

[Comment From Guest]

So far other than an incredibly increased interest from the media and more informal calls from the UN to stop the fighting, there doesn't seem to be anything that can be done legally to help the people caught in the middle.

10:42

Aparna Sundar: These countries will take further steps only if the pressure on them is kept up.

10:42

[Comment From Eelaval]

Are we not human too? This is humanitarian issue not only Tamils issue

10:42

Phillip P Koneswara: I agree.

10:42

[Comment From TamilGirl]

We have a genuine reason for our voices to be heard by Canadian Government. I just don't understand that even here, there are Anti Tamil Protest being held by none other than the other half on non Tamil Srilankans. I saw their sign while on the DVP last evening. It was frustrating to look at it at first. Then again, I thought it was helping us in a way since this is how we are being treated in SriLanka. Is there a reason for them to be out there?? Are they losing any lives??? Do they lose atlest 5-10 person in a famil??

10:43

[Comment From Guest]

How will the Indian election affect the Tamil people in the future? I heard there was a connection between the Indian government and the Sri Lankan government.

10:43

Phillip P Koneswara: TamilGirl: You must always remember that all Canadians have a right to protest, whether you and I agree with it or not.

10:44

Aparna Sundar: Well, there is a framework for intervention adopted by the UN called "Responsibility to Protect" which allows for intervention by the international community when a state carries out egregious human rights violations against its own citizens. This is not something to be invoked lightly, as it can be misused, but this may be a case where it is justified.

10:44

[Comment From jeevan]

After 5 months of protesting, the prim minister still hasn’t reacted to Canadian Tamils is there any political reason for this?

10:45

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: For more background on the Tamil Tigers, see CBC News online's In Depth on the group.

10:45

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: In Depth: Tamil Tigers

10:45

Aparna Sundar:

Yes, India and Sri Lanka have a growing economic and military relationship. It is only the anger and protest in Tamil Nadu during election time that has forced the poltiical parties to even take something of a stand on this issue in favour of the Tamils.

10:45

[Comment From Varni]

I am a Canadian Tamil. Left the country in 1991. So, I have a first hand experience of the attrocities committed both by SL and LTTE. I too have lost loved ones within the past few months. While Canada should bring sanction against the SL gov't, my moral predicament about the protest is that why arent we demanding LTTE to lay down arms or even let the people go briefly and defend the army afterwards. Afterall, they are supposed to be fighting for us. aren't they?

10:45

[Comment From Waran]

TamilGirl…. I think they are protesting to save Sri Lanakan Armed forces being killed in this war.

10:45

Phillip P Koneswara: Jeevan: as i said before, the international community needs to be tactful in their approach. They do not want to appear as to support the LTTE in any way, but at the same time help Tamils. Maybe what Tamils should do is make this a purely Tamil matter and not an LTTE matter.

10:46

[Comment From Guest]

Yesterday, the opposition did not support all party resolution. The reason was because Tamils have broken the law by blocking the Gardiner. Don't you think the conservative is all about excuses?

10:46

Aparna Sundar:

A recent article in Time Magazine made the point that the international community has already banned the LTTE and made it illegal to fund them. So they have already imposed financial costs on one side, perhaps they should do so on the other as well

10:47

[Comment From Eson]

I believe Stephen Harper is reluctant to deat with this issue becasue he has falsely accused the Liberals of dealing with LTTE. As a Canadian, I am dissapointed in Stephen Harper not joining his British and American counterparts.

10:47

[Comment From Guest]

This is my argument too. The international communities should take measures in fairness

10:47

[Comment From Guest]

You are right Aparna.

10:47

Do you believe there is anything the Canadian government can do to prevent what is going on in Sri Lanka?

Yes

( 92% )

No

( 5% )

Not sure

( 3% )

10:48

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF:

Does anyone out there feel that this is an issue that Canada should not get involved in?

10:48

Aparna Sundar: Yes, Stephen Harper wants to continue to play the "war on terror" angle, even when the government in the US has changed and is downplaying this.

10:48

[Comment From Waran]

Guest… I will 100% agree with you. Also Tamils never wanted them when come to election. So there you go.

10:48

[Comment From jeevan]

If the international community wants Tamils to distance from the LTTE, they why haven’t they offered an alternative for the past 25 years? The majority of Tamils support the LTTE, based on the fact that they have no other alternatives to the brutality to the Sri lankan state. How can you expect people to just give up the LTTE when they haven’t been offered another solution?

10:48

Phillip P Koneswara: Varni: The question of the LTTE forcefully holding civilians is a tricky one. The world sees civilians running to government controlled regions, and hence making to appear that Tamil areas are not where they wish to be. However, it is actually a ripple effect. If you throw a pebble into a lake, ripples will move outwards. When you continuously shell the Tamil regions, yes the civilians will leave that region. it does not mean that they are happy in the government regions.

10:48

[Comment From Anusha]

canada should definetely intervene: What can be done? U.S./Canada could press for a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding govnt forces adhere to a cease-fire and allow humanitarian aid OR they can lean on India, with the most leverage over Colombo, to pressure the Sri Lankan govnt to halt its offensive OR they could impose economic sanctions against Sri Lanka OR push to have the combat zone monitored by U.N. peacekeeping troops as exists in Congo.

10:48

[Comment From Eson]

Exactly Aparna, the Srilankan government has killed more innocent civilians than the LTTE. Yet LTTE is crippled but no concrete action is taken on the racist regime in Sri Lanka.

10:48

[Comment From Guest]

Yes, because LTTE is not a threat to Canadian security

10:48

[Comment From David]

Yes Canada as peacekeeper should stop this war and find a solution to both ethnic groups

10:48

[Comment From sujeev devaraj]

another way for the Canadian government to not to be a leader in the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sri lanka. Shame on Canada.

10:49

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF: The protests seemd to be failry organized. Curious, who is organizing these protests behind the scenes?

10:50

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: One of our readers captured these photos of Wednesday's protest in downtown Toronto. Thanks to Iva Provias for sending in these shots.

10:50

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10:50

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10:50

Expand

10:50

[Comment From Anusha]

primarily university studnets: from the University of Toronto, York University and Ryerson

10:50

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: You can see more photos in our photo gallery online.

10:50

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: PHOTO GALLERY: Tamils take to the streets

10:50

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: PHOTO GALLERY: Tamil protest closes highway

10:50

[Comment From Krish]

no idea, as soon as we here to demonstrate, we are there

10:50

[Comment From ravi]

Tamils

10:51

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: If there are protests in your community, send us your photos and videos.

http://www.cbcnews.ca/submit

10:51

Phillip P Koneswara: The protests are organized by Tamil groups from all across the nation. What is interesting is that most protesters are young Canadians. Tamils who moved to Canada at a very young age, or Tamils born in Canada.

10:51

Aparna Sundar:

This protest to me is like many of the protests we have been seeing across the world in the last decade or so - the network style of organizing that led to the anti-globalization protests in Seattle, Quebec City, etc. They are led by youth, and the mobilization occurs through internet (facebook etc), texting, cellphones, community radio.

10:51

[Comment From ravi]

it's a collective action by all Tamils

10:51

[Comment From jeevan]

Many say the LTTE is holding civilians, but how can they confirm this? The Sri lankan government has banned media and aide works from the conflict zone, even in the Sinhalese areas only government media is active all free media have been restricted.

10:52

Aparna Sundar: Yes, the SL govt. is not helping its own case by preventing independent foreign media from entering.

10:52

Phillip P Koneswara: Jeevan, this is the very problem we are all facing. Media ban is what makes everything worse

10:52

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Here's a great photo gallery on CBC News of Sri Lanka behind the lines.

10:52

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: PHOTO GALLERY: Sri Lanka behind the lines

10:53

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF: What are the next steps? How long will the protests go on?

10:53

Phillip P Koneswara: Until independent journalists are allowed into the region, we cannot believe the government nor the LTTE

10:53

Aparna Sundar: It seems to me the protests will go on until the international community does take some kind of decisive action to intervene and save Tamil lives in SL

10:54

Phillip P Koneswara: But I do have a concern that I would like to address Aparna. This is not about the LTTE anymore. This is not about the war between the government and a "terrorist"

group. This is about the future of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

10:54

[Comment From Waran]

My daughter is 4 years old. She was born in Canada. She asked me what does it mean when we say “Genocide”, “ceasefire”, “right now”. I was amazed when she asked me today morning. I’ve never said to her anything about it. Since the first time I took the protest she noticed it. Then why those politicians cannot seems to get it for the past 6 months. We are on the street for so long. WHY WHY

10:54

[Comment From Siva]

Why was the British envoy rejected at the first place? Can a democratic govt ban international monitors nad mediators by law?

10:55

Aparna Sundar: Phillip, please clarify. I don't think I said anything about the LTTE?

10:55

[Comment From TamilGal]

I think the protest will go on as long as there's a step taken to ensure that everybody is under a safe roof, at least. Untill we get assurance that the wounded and weak will get the care they need. Until the independent media can verify all of this.

10:55

Phillip P Koneswara: Not yourself Aparna. I am speaking of the current situation in general.

10:56

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: For those who are still struggling to understand the situation, can either of you provide some background ?

10:56

[Comment From Priya]

Phillip or Aparna - Do you see a positive change towards the Tamils struggle?

10:56

Aparna Sundar:

Yes, I agree there. I know many friends in the Tamil community here who were not LTTE supporters, and yet they are out there in these protests because they know this is about the survival of the Tamil people as a whole

10:57

Phillip P Koneswara: Priya, yes for sure. Once again, if you are asking me whether there will be a positive change for the Tamils, the answer is yes. I am talking about Tamils as a people, and not the LTTE.

10:57

[Comment From Guest]

Today the government of Canada going to take a deep action, they said. what do you think about it?

10:57

Phillip P Koneswara: Aparna, and thats exactly what I mean. The issues of who the LTTE are is clouding the situation so much, that the government of Sri Lanka is using that to kill civilians.

10:58

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF: Phiip and Aparna: Can you please explain for those who don't know what the LTTE stands for? Thanks.

10:59

Phillip P Koneswara: I do have a suggestion for Canadian Tamils. Maybe this is not the time to be trying to defend the LTTE. Maybe right now we should concentrate on the Tamil civilians, the human rights issues, and the thousands of deaths and bring these to the international attention more than the issue of LTTE

10:59

[Comment From David]

Liberation tigers of Tamil Eelam

10:59

Do you believe that the Tamil Tigers have been properly labeled as a terrorist organization by the Canadian government?

Yes

( 14% )

No

( 82% )

Not sure

( 4% )

10:59

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Thanks David.

10:59

Phillip P Koneswara: Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam...a militant group representing the Tamils in Sri Lanka since the 70's.

11:00

[Comment From Greg]

Have the Tamil Tigers come out with any sort of statement to the rest of the international community assuring them that if they are aided by other countries, some of the activity that has earned them a spot on the terrorist list will stop? I think this is important before a country like canada can step in to help.

11:00

Phillip P Koneswara: I do not believe so.

11:01

Phillip P Koneswara: Again, this issue of LTTE keeps on clouding the real problems in Sri Lanka.

11:01

Aparna Sundar:

The background is a sixty year history (since independence from Britain) of increasing legal and political discrimination against the Tamil minority, under the claim that Sri Lanka is a Sinhalese, Buddhist country. Beginning from 1948, until about the mid-70s, Tamil leaders tried to contest these discriminatory policies peacefully through democratic means. In the 70s, youth convinced that these methods were ineffective, began to adopt more militant means, and this eventually led to the armed conflict which has been raging for the last 30 years or so.

11:01

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: That's a great point Phillip. Focusing on the humanitarian issue also allows outsiders to better grasp why these protests are taking place.

11:01

[Comment From MathuB]

As far as I know they welcome international intervention.

11:01

[Comment From jeevan]

Can you tell us about the cause of this civil war?

11:02

Phillip P Koneswara: The cause is very simple....an opressed minority on a small island

11:02

[Comment From Siva]

oppression and denial of human rights and equality combined with racism are reasons for the civil war

11:02

[Comment From Varni]

I think it is the protesters who are really clouding the real issue. I fear that The humanitarian crisis may be lost in this.

11:02

Aparna Sundar: Jeevan, the basic cause as I tried to explain it, is the denial by the Sinhala dominated Sri Lankan state of the full rights of its Tamil minority

11:03

[Comment From MathuB]

This is a 60 year old crisis, with armed struggle for the passed 30 years

11:03

[Comment From Guest]

What do you think is the best solution for Tamils in Sri Lanka and for all the other people in Sri Lanka? Is it better for the government to accept everyone and treat them equally or has it gone too far and the only solution is Tamil Eelam?

11:03

Phillip P Koneswara: I cannot agree with you more Varni

11:03

[Comment From Eelaval]

We really apologize for the inconvenience for the people in Toronto. As a human if we not doing this and staying home won't help to save our people. In 21st century Genocide should be not allowed

11:03

Phillip P Koneswara: And I have tried desperately to change this, but it is difficult. for 30 years people have melted together with the concept of the LTTE. it has become extremely difficult to separate them from the LTTE.

11:04

[Comment From Siva]

Can you advice on how Canadians can contribute towards this cause as a dignified "global citizen" ?

11:04

[Comment From Greg]

There's gotta be a way we can ensure peacekeeping

11:04

[Comment From Priya]

Phillip or Aparna - Do you agree that Tamils should be given the rights of self-determination?

11:05

Phillip P Koneswara: If anyone is interested, go to google.com...under image search, type in "1983 Sri Lanka riots" and you will see some pictures that can never be shown on public media.

11:05

Aparna Sundar:

Non-Tamil Canadians could start by trying to understand what it is that brings out such large numbers of their fellow citizens, children, old people and all, in below freezing temperatures or rainy days, at the cost of their work, leisure, etc, to call attention to the plight of their families in Sri Lanka.

11:06

Phillip P Koneswara:

Should the LTTE represent the Tamils? Should the Tamils have their own state within Sri Lanka with autonomous rights to education, language, religion, healthcare, etc? Or should that Tamil state be an independent nation? These are questions only the Sri Lankan Tamils should answer and decide democratically. However we Canada, the international community, the United States of America and the United Nations have a humanitarian responsibility to ensure that such a democratic process is carried out.

11:06

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF:

If the protests are to continue, how will the organizers ensure there is a level of safety for those who participate and for commuters?

11:06

Aparna Sundar: Priya - self-determination is a basic democratic right for any peoples. How this is expressed can vary - in separate statehood, or a federation, or any other such arrangement.

11:07

[Comment From sujeev devaraj]

I think Tamil Canadians should do their protests in a way that does not alienate majority of Torontonians.

11:07

Phillip P Koneswara: It is difficult for law enforcement to do it all. Tamils MUST understand that blocking highways and disrupting the lives of others is NOT the way to go! It does not make anyone feel sorry for the Tamils.

11:07

[Comment From Anusha]

phillip & aparna, do you not think it is unfair for non-tamils to judge the tamil community and the crisis that the Tamils face back home based on a banned flag? how can we pressure the Canadian government to lift the ban?!

11:08

[Comment From Varni]

I couldn't agree with you more on that Philip.

11:08

Aparna Sundar:

I think the protesters are becoming quite conscious of safety issues, and have made good marshalling and clean-up arrangements. They can only get better as they gain more experience.

11:09

[Comment From Eson]

As a protester my self, we usually watchout for ourselves. Although, that's not enough in all situations especially with children.

11:09

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: We've addressed this, but if you could touch on it again - how long do you both see these protests continuing? Are these demonstrations going to escalate?

11:09

Phillip P Koneswara: Anusha, it is highly unlikely that the ban on the LTTE will be lifted, as there are countless number of complaints and reports filed over the years with the RCMP. However what I can tell you is that it is not important whether the LTTE is banned or not. Our cause is to ensure that Tamils in Sri Lanka have a right to self-determination.

11:09

[Comment From UKViewer]

I think most of the protests are getting more disruptive once it's perceived that nothing concrete is being done... People are still dying and both parties are in a "don't care" zone.

11:10

[Comment From Siva]

Canadians seem very concerned about the safety of people, specially women n children, on high-ways... why can they not relate to the ongoing slaughters n murders in Sri Lanka of innocent civilians ?

11:10

Phillip P Koneswara: I estimate at least another 3-4 months.

11:10

Phillip P Koneswara: Siva, Canada does not have direct jurisdiction over Sri Lanka. It can only be done through the UN, who is very slow to react.

11:10

[Comment From Anusha]

I agree with you Phillip..100 percent.. but it seems that non-tamils are blinded by that ban..that's is all they see.. it clouds their views towards the REAL issue

11:10

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: During these months, what types of actions can we expect? Are we already seeing global networks demonstrating together? Is there any sort of coordination in that regard?

11:11

[Comment From Kamal S]

Media is covering all sides now. But why did not cover any protests in .. lets say January?.. is it because of the "inconveniences" now caused?

11:11

Phillip P Koneswara: Anusha,...then maybe we Tamils can change our approach.

11:11

Aparna Sundar: Sujeev, racism does have a role to play in distancing people from the Tamil protests.

11:11

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF: Hi everyone - Thanks again for joining us today.

Please note that due to a large response we can't get to everyone's comments and questions but will do our best.

11:12

[Comment From Priya]

In regards to gloabl networks demonstation - no there is no such coordination.

11:12

Phillip P Koneswara: Kamal S, in a way yes. But that is nothing to be proud of. Become famous by wrongful acts is not the way to go.

11:12

[Comment From Siva]

High-way blocks and protests are not new in democratic countries, Martin Luther King is welknown for his blocks n protests... even during Paul Martin's time the "Rural revolution" did the same thing

11:12

Do you believe that the disruptive demonstrations have been successful in bringing attention to the Tamil cause?

Yes

( 92% )

No

( 8% )

11:13

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Here are some more photos of yesterday's protest in downtown Toronto.

11:13

Phillip P Koneswara: I look at photos of the northern region on a daily basis. It would be wonderful if these pictures and videos could be shared with the rest of Canadians.

11:13

Expand

11:13

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11:14

Expand

11:14

[Comment From Anusha]

I do understand what you mean...but people are quite passionate about about their roots..and what they stood for back home... I was born and raised in Canada.. However, I;m well aware of the situation back home and I agree that we can change our ways during protests and leave the flags at home but many people will not agree with you.

11:14

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: You can see more of your photos and videos of the protests on CBC News Your Voice.

11:14

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Your photos and video: Tamil protest

11:14

Aparna Sundar: In response to Leigh's question, this is the age of internet, etc. Tamils and their allies everywhere are following the same news, and responding to the same events. There is bound to be some degree of coordination.

11:15

Phillip P Koneswara:

The future of the Sri Lankan Tamils should be determined by the Sri Lankan Tamils only. It is not the right or the responsibility of the Canadian Tamils, the Sinhalese, the government of Sri Lanka and not even that of the LTTE to decide the faith of Sri Lankan Tamils. However it is our genetic responsibility as Tamils anywhere on the globe to ensure that the Sri Lankan Tamils have the choice and sovereign right to make those choices!

11:15

[Comment From Guest]

What should the next course of action for Tamils be?

11:15

Phillip P Koneswara: and the protests are exactly for that reason

11:16

Phillip P Koneswara: Continue the pressue on western governments

11:16

Phillip P Koneswara: Continue to pressure our government, Canada

11:16

[Comment From Eson]

What do you expect the Canadian goverment to do?

11:16

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF: Are there any Tamils out there who disagree with the protests and perhaps would like to see other means of getting their issues known?

11:16

[Comment From UKViewer]

What do you foresee as a viable solution to this?

11:17

Aparna Sundar: Kamal, I agree, Canada has acted unilaterally or led tthe world in taking certain stands to inflict eonomic costs on countries, and it can do so now

11:17

Phillip P Koneswara: I do not disagree with the protests, but I do believe that needs to be more communication on a person to person basis as well.

11:17

[Comment From Kamal S]

LeighF: your question shows that all Tamils support the protest

11:17

[Comment From Siva]

Is it a possibility for Steven Harper enforce economic sanctions against SL just like our former PM Brian Mulroney did againts South Africa in response to apartheid?

11:17

[Comment From sujeev devaraj]

yes, I think I disgaree

11:18

[Comment From UK Tamilan]

Well if we all sat at home and protest no1 gonna notice

11:18

[Comment From Guest]

Do you believe Western powers will be more helping once all the LTTE flags are left at home? If that is the solution, then for sure I know everyone WILL leave their flags at home. They care more about the lives of their family members.

11:18

[Comment From Krish]

Peaceful protests are the only tool we have as hapless Tamils

11:18

Phillip P Koneswara: Guest, this is where I am getting at.

11:18

Phillip P Koneswara: It will remore the roadblocks that politicians face today

11:19

Phillip P Koneswara: remore=remove

11:19

[Comment From MathuB]

In Ottawa Tamils have removed Tamil Eelam flag on a day hoping politicians would start talking but nothing happened.

11:19

[Comment From Eson]

Guest, they did that in Ottawa and got not posivie result (left the flags at home)

11:19

[Comment From Varni]

Yes, I think if we leave the flags and any reference to LTTE IC has NO execuse not to help us

11:19

If you are a Tamil Canadian, tell us, do you agree with the protests?

Yes

( 95% )

No

( 5% )

11:19

[Comment From sujeev devaraj]

Creative protests that does not endanger lives but has maximum impacts in garering media attention is the only way. Like Free Tibet protests sometimes back. Do you all agree?

11:19

[Comment From Siva]

i m a proud Canadian, and with no offense and with all do respect Canadians complaining about one day of inconvenience during their commute as lives are being taken away is just as lame as it can get...

11:20

[Comment From Guest]

No one even knew who Tamils were or where they came from until these protests. While I think protesting takes a lot of energy and time, no one can sit at home and do nothing.

11:20

[Comment From jeevan]

I was present at the Ottawa protest, we put the flags down but no politician came out but the NDP. If the flag was what was holding the politicians back then why didn’t they come out ?

11:20

[Comment From Anusha]

very good point jeevan

11:20

[Comment From Guest]

Exactly!

11:20

Aparna Sundar: Guest, I have to agree strongly that without the protests even the minimal responses we have seen would not have occured

11:20

[Comment From Krish]

guest is right, we lose our work time not for fun

11:20

Phillip P Koneswara: Jeevan & Guest: You cannot expect that to happen on just one day. We as a community must identify ourselves as "Tamils" and not with a political label.

11:21

[Comment From ruban]

I am a tamil canadian and i strongly belive canada will help us to save our tamil people dying in Vannai

11:21

[Comment From Guest]

So what you are saying is that if we start leaving "the flags" behind it will help us?

11:22

[Comment From Guest]

Canada has limited control over this situation..

11:22

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF: Hi all - There is ten minutes left in this Live Chat. Please feel free to submit any last minute comments or questions.

11:22

[Comment From Sandy]

we will do the protest until we get peace in Sri Lanka

11:22

[Comment From jeevan]

I agree, the flag is not worth holding if it blocks the west from helping Tamils in Sri lanka achieve the luxury of freedom and democracy that we Canadians enjoy!!

11:23

[Comment From Varni]

I can tell you if you leave any reference to ANY political ties, and just show our support for the people back home, all 200, 000 Tamils will be joining the protest.

11:23

[Comment From MathuB]

Canada can vote to kick SL out of commonwealth nations

11:23

Phillip P Koneswara: I am not sure whether this might anger some Tamils, and if it does my apologies. It is, in my opinion, inammropriate to scream out at the protests things like "our leader prabakaran" and such similar things. It is important to focus on the Tamil agenda.

11:23

[Comment From Ragu]

Flag is big issue for the people than Tamils lives?

11:23

[Comment From Guest]

I don't think flag has much to do with the politicians. That's just a reason for them to not speak about it because if that is then the day in ottawa when the flags were down they would have showed some intentions to help.

11:23

Aparna Sundar: I think work still needs to be done to educate other Canadians about the issues.

11:23

[Comment From Ann]

When we didn't bring any flags to Ottawa after being there for almost 15 days, did the government even come to out to talk to us?? So why say the flags are a problem??

11:24

[Comment From Berline.K]

we tried leaving the flags at home, still nothing has been done abou the situation, then what is the Canadian government's excuss to not helping the tamils

11:24

[Comment From SS]

Getting kicked out of the commenwealth won't accomplish much.

11:24

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: It's a difficult situation for most people to wrap their heads around, especially as non-Tamils.

Aparna, Phillip, before we go, is there anything you feel Canadians should know about the on-going protests?

11:24

[Comment From Sandy]

i agree, leave the flag alone but help the Tamils

11:24

[Comment From UK Tamilan]

Yes I agree Our Leader is not an issue right now. we need Cease Fire...NOW

11:24

[Comment From Guest]

CBC - Can you please do a documentary on Tamils history?

11:25

Phillip P Koneswara: Yes, I ask that all Canadians, no matter from which background, spend some time online and do some research and learn what has happened to Tamils in the past. It will put you in touch and in focus with the protests.

11:25

[Comment From UK Tamilan]

Lets protect the ppl first and worry abt the rest later

11:25

[Comment From Priya]

Tamils should educate our fellow Canadians - non-Tamils. The grass root level work should be done.

11:26

[Comment From Priya]

I am glad that now a days, Tamils started to get the support of non-Tamils.

11:26

Phillip P Koneswara: Education is the solution to all of the world's problems.

11:26

[Comment From Guest]

I think work needs to be done to educate tamil canadians on how to get what they want from this government.. they need to understand as well that other canadians can be behind them.. (I am), I just theink the current practices are ineffective... drop the flag, ask for peace, and don't give up!!!

11:26

[Comment From Varni]

We need to convey the genuine concern for the people in these protests. After all, what we want is to save lives and have a peaceful solution for Tamils.

11:26

[Comment From Ragu]

By the time we educate the non Tamils about our problem our people will be wiped out.

11:26

Aparna Sundar:

Someone mentioned tamilcanadian.com. That has a fair bit of history as well as recent news coverage. It's a good start for people who want to learn more. Canadians need to understand that Tamil-Canadians are acting from a sense of "Collective grief" and a strong sense of responsibility and concern. This is something to admire and respect. I have to say that I am in awe of how much people are sacrificing to do this on a daily basis.

11:28

CBCYOURVOICE - LeighF: Thank you to everyone who participated today. We will be ending this discussion in two minutes.

11:28

[Comment From Guest]

Is there a way of educating the non tamils. Could we have a special broadcasting of the issue. The ones that are telling us that we should not protest shoul have a chance to see whats going on.

11:28

[Comment From Cp]

It's not that the protests disrupt traffic, the protest are brazen with little regard for the law or the perspective of others.

11:28

[Comment From Haji]

i agree with Ragu but that is the only way that we can get our msg out

11:28

[Comment From MathuB]

Thank you CBC for having this live-chat on our issue!

11:28

[Comment From Guest]

A documentary is a great idea!

11:28

[Comment From Anusha]

CBC..thank you for having this discussion. on behalf of all tamils, we sincerely appreciate it

11:28

[Comment From Kamal S]

Thank you CBC

11:28

Phillip P Koneswara: Thank you for having me here today.

11:28

[Comment From UK Tamilan]

Thanks from UK more of these pls

11:29

[Comment From jeevan]

Thank you CBC

11:29

[Comment From Guest]

Thank you CBC

11:29

[Comment From Guest]

Thank you CBC

11:29

[Comment From Guest]

thank you for doing this

11:29

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Thanks to everyone who joined us today. Aparna, Phillip, you've provided some useful context and perspective to the protests.

And thanks to our readers for their questions and comments.

For more background and in depth on the situation, here are some relevant links.

11:29

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: In Depth: Tamil Tigers

11:29

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: PHOTO GALLERY: Sri Lanka behind the lines

11:29

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: PHOTO GALLERY: Tamil protest closes highway

11:29

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: PHOTO GALLERY: Tamils take to the streets

11:29

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Tamil-Canadians stage protest at Ont. legislature

11:29

CBCYOURVOICE_AmilN: Your photos and video: Tamil protest

11:30

மூலம்: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/05/13/...milprotest.html

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