S.M. Krishna on Wednesday used his visit to this former LTTE bastion, the first by any Indian leader in recent years, to assure the war-weary Tamils of northern Sri Lanka of India’s unflinching support and help as they pick up their lives following decades of bloodshed.

Driving on the potholed A9 highway to Jaffna that could break the strongest of spines, it was great relief spotting a volleyball match in progress at a wayside playground.

It was in Kilinochchi, whi