The self-proclaimed “socialist parties” of this country no longer adhere to the core principles of socialism. Their only goal these days is to win the general elections. Many years have passed since they arrived at the conclusion that without accepting the aggressive and intrusive majority nationalism, they cannot achieve this goal. The bourgeois among the Sinhalese successfully spread Buddhist religious fanaticism and the exclusive Sinhala language chauvinism among their leaders, and the so-called “communists and other progressives” also completely submerged into these evil philosophies. The Tamil Alliance firmly opposes this bourgeois mentality of the Sinhalese race and steadfastly follows the socialist principles constructed by the great leaders. In this situation, these so-called communists and progressives are calling the Tamil Alliance imperialists and reactionaries.
These people conveniently abandoned the socialistic goal of “ethnic and linguistic equality” for mere selfish gain, while we dedicate our lives to core principles. Yet they find enough time to mock us. They are shamelessly helping the new black imperialism to spread its wings in this country while the Tamil Alliance bravely declares that we will not accept imperialism in any form. So, what are the other options they have at their disposal other than ridiculing us? They claim to oppose neocolonialism while bootlicking those who are carrying out a neocolonial rule in Tamil Eelam.
Until the recent past, many names, including “enemies of socialism” and “remnants of imperialism”, were given to us by them. Surprisingly, a word of praise emerged from the mouth of a person from this group.
“How can those who demand a separation be a socialist? And “does socialism support secession?” These are the common questions that run through the minds of some people.
This doubt was expertly cleared during the Irish liberation struggle, none other than the father of socialism, Karl Marx. He clearly demonstrated how socialists should act when a nation is fighting for its liberation.
Karl Marx, the greatest scholar of communism, fully supported the struggle of the Irish Movement to get self-autonomy from England. Apart from active support, he wrote articles in English newspapers advocating Ireland’s separation at that time.
The journals such as Der Sozialdemokrat and La Internationale published articles written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in support of Irish separation. In addition to these writings, Marx demonstrated a greater enthusiasm for Irish secession. He believed that Ireland should become an independent nation by any means. Engels, his friend, took an even more radical position than Marx.
After a whirlwind tour throughout Ireland, Engels wrote a letter to Marx: ”The Irish people have developed a strong national feeling that they belong to Ireland; they feel that they are not living in their own country!” The same sentiment has now arisen among Eelam Tamils as well.
The following matters are mentioned in Marx’s reply to Engels:
“What are we supposed to communicate to English Labourers? In my opinion, the cancellation of the merger (Ireland-England) must be declared. This should be enshrined in the (labour) party’s plan”
“Ireland requires the following: (1) an autonomous regime free from England’s influence, (2) an agricultural revolution, and (3) import and export taxes against England.
What is the essence of Karl Marx’s philosophy here? What is the essence of Karl Marx’s philosophy here? When a nation demands separation, the working class belonging to the nation that rules them must support that separation. This is what Marx strongly asserted during the Irish–English separation struggle.
However, what is happening here in the present context? The so-called Marxists and communists were supposed to support Tamil Nationalism. Unfortunately, they are busy supporting the plans intended to wipe out the Tamil race.
So far as the Tamil nation is concerned, it is we who are the true communists — the true Marxists — undertaking this ideological journey today in Tamil Eelam. That is why hypocritical communists and Marxists have so far been unable to raise their heads in Tamil Eelam.
Therefore, the path we travel is one accepted by the great fathers of socialism and communism — Karl Marx, Lenin, and Stalin. Let us walk that path with our heads held high. We need not worry about those who praise or those who condemn. With this spirit, let us celebrate May Day as a festival of Tamil national consciousness — as a celebration that strengthens our courage to oppose oppression and domination.
Your loving comrade,
Kovai Mahesan