Is SIR electoral reform or a truth that will take away citizenship..?

Thol. Thirumavalavan's press conference following his meeting with the Chief Minister was not just a routine political event. Instead, it brought to light several deep, shocking, and impactful issues concerning the foundations of democracy, international ethnic struggles, and local labor rights. This article extensively analyzes the five key demands put forth during that meeting and the politics behind them.

1. Electoral Reform or a Plot to Strip Citizenship? – Shocking Allegation on the 'SIR' Scheme

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has expressed strong opposition to the new 'SIR' (Special Intensive Revision) method proposed by the Election Commission for correcting the voter list. Thirumavalavan openly accused it of being a "Joint Conspiracy" orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission.

According to his allegation, this scheme has multiple hidden objectives: it is an action plan to strip citizens of their fundamental rights; a covert attempt to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC); and a strategy to systematically remove the votes of opposition parties from the list. He also announced that the VCK will hold a massive condemnation protest in Chennai on the 24th to oppose this action.

This allegation is highly significant because it is not merely a critique of an administrative change; rather, it is a fundamental question raised about the integrity of the nation's democratic process and is viewed as a threat to the entire nation.

"Even though it is outwardly called a voter list revision, we must realize that it is a conspiracy to strip citizenship, create the National Register of Citizens, and implement the CAA Act, even if they do not openly admit it."

2. Unchanged Agony After War: The Continuing 'Cultural Invasion' in Eelam

Thirumavalavan, who recently returned from Jaffna, painfully described the current situation of the Eelam Tamils there. His main charge is that the same miserable conditions that existed before the war continue even now. His statement, "Even after the war ended, the people are still on the street," conveys the tragedy of the unresolved displacement of the people there.

Furthermore, he mentioned that a systematic "Cultural Invasion" is taking place. Actions like erecting Buddha statues, encroaching on lands, increasing Sinhalese settlements (Sinhalization), and spreading the Buddhist religion (Buddhistization) continue in the traditional Tamil homeland areas of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The issue of the disappeared has also not been resolved to this day, and protests regarding it are ongoing.

This indicates that these actions are a major threat not only to the political rights of the Eelam Tamils but also to their cultural identity and historical existence.

3. 'The New Government is Also Racist': Eelam Tamils Struggling for Autonomy

Thirumavalavan presented the political demand of the Eelam Tamils to the Chief Minister. In this regard, he personally handed over a letter written by the leader of the Tamil National People's Front, Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, to the Chief Minister. Their primary demand is for the introduction of a Federal System that grants them Autonomy in the new Constitution to be drafted in Sri Lanka.

Eelam Tamils feel that there has been no fundamental change in the government's mindset, as even the recently elected JVP government with a Leftist ideology in Sri Lanka "is acting like racists." They also reject the 13th Amendment, brought in on the basis of the Indo-Lanka Accord, as an ineffective solution that grants no power to the provinces.

Therefore, their key request is that the Government of Tamil Nadu should urge the Indian Government to support the Eelam Tamils' demand for a federal structure.

"They are strongly putting forth the demand that a Federal System should be introduced, instead of a Unitary System of Governance."

4. Women's Safety Questioned? New Rule Allowing Work in Hazardous Occupations

Thirumavalavan also raised a crucial issue related to women's labor rights. Previously, a law was in effect prohibiting women from working in over 20 hazardous occupations.

However, through a recently released Government Order, the government has allowed all women, except those who are pregnant, to work in these dangerous industries. This announcement puts women's safety at risk. Therefore, on behalf of more than 30 trade unions, a demand has been submitted to the Chief Minister to immediately withdraw this Government Order. This policy change is seen as gambling with women's safety and welfare in the name of women's empowerment.

5. Imprisoned for Over 20 Years: Demand for the Release of Muslim Life Convicts

Thirumavalavan once again reiterated the long-standing demand for the release of Muslim life convicts who have been imprisoned in Tamil Nadu jails for more than 20 years. He submitted a petition to the Chief Minister regarding this and requested that this demand be "considered with compassion."

This is viewed not just as a political demand but also as a human rights issue that has been raised consistently for many years. This request has once again been brought to the attention of the government.