Recent warnings issued by M. A. Sumanthiran, General Secretary of Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), threatening disciplinary action against party members who publicly criticize internal decisions, have ignited serious concern across Tamil political circles.
Let this be clear:
Tamil political space is not private property.
It does not belong to one leader.
It does not belong to a small inner circle.
It belongs to the Tamil people.
When dissent is treated as betrayal, democracy is already in danger.
The Tamil struggle was not built on silence. It was built on courage, debate, sacrifice, and collective responsibility. If elected representatives, grassroots members, and public voices are warned to “stay silent,” then leadership must ask itself: Why is open debate feared?
Tamil political legitimacy comes from the people — not from titles, positions, or internal disciplinary threats.
We call for:
- Immediate respect for internal democratic debate
- Transparent decision-making processes
- Open political conventions
- Accountability of leadership to the Tamil electorate
- Protection of free expression within Tamil political institutions
Unity cannot be enforced.
Unity must be earned.
A movement that suppresses internal criticism risks losing the trust of the very people it claims to represent. The Tamil people are politically conscious. They are not spectators. They are the rightful custodians of their political future.
Leadership must listen — or it will face growing public pressure for change.
Defeating Sumanthiran at the ballot box alone may not be sufficient to bring the change many Tamils seek. What is required is a united, peaceful, and unmistakable mass call from the Tamil people themselves — clearly demanding accountability and urging him to step away from Tamil political leadership if he no longer reflects the aspirations of the nation.