Overview
The Tamil Nationalist Movement leader, Pazha Nedumaran, made the announcement that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still “alive” and “healthy,” 14 years after the Sri Lankan army declared him dead, during a media address on Monday.
Nedumaran currently serves as the President of the Tamil Nationalist Movement and the founder of the World Tamil Confederation.
He clarified that the announcement was made with Prabhakaran’s consent. He further said that he was in touch with the LTTE chief’s family, adding that Prabhakaran’s wife and daughter were “healthy and fine.” He refused to disclose any information about Prabhakaran’s location.
Pleased to announce the truth about our Tamil national leader Prabhakaran. He's fine.I'm very happy to announce this to the Tamil people all over the world. I hope this news will put an end to the speculations that have been systematically spread about him so far: Pazha Nedumaran pic.twitter.com/NYblumbybP
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2023
Nedumaran added that Prabhakaran will publicly appear when he thinks it appropriate. He added that the current political discontent with the incumbent Sri Lankan government and the widespread protests have made it conducive for the LTTE chief to make a public appearance.
To this end, he urged the Tamil community globally to support Prabhakaran as he prepared to announce the way forward for the “dawn.”
Despite Nedumaram’s claims, the Sri Lankan army and government will likely dismiss the announcement as a rumour unless further evidence emerges.
Message for Authorities in India
In a veiled dig at the incumbent Sri Lankan government’s closeness with China, Nedumaran said that the LTTE did not maintain ties with, or welcome investments from, countries that opposed India. Accordingly, he urged the Indian government to prevent Beijing from cementing its political influence in Colombo.
LTTE of V Prabhakaran assassinated-
— Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) January 18, 2023
1991: Rajiv Gandhi
Former PM, India
1993: Ranasinghe Premadasa
President, Sri Lanka
33 nations list LTTE as terror
Death Warrant issued by Madras HC against V Prabhakaran
2023:
Same Madras HC now allowed birth anniversary of V Prabhakaran 🤦🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/TthdKJrwry
In addition, he called on the local government in Tamil Nadu to support Prabhakaran in his bid to better Tamilians’ lives worldwide.
Prabhakaran’s Death
Prabhakaran was often known for his brutal and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, military personnel, and political leaders. In fact, he is believed to be the orchestrator of former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991. He also reportedly organised the fatal attack on Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993.
The Sri Lankan army claimed that the LTTE chief died during the last phase of its two decades-long civil war between the group and the country’s forces. With the announcement of his death, the war with the group was declared as over.
The Tamil community and leaders have often accused the Sri Lankan military of genocide against their minority group in the country.
Yesterday marked the untimely murder of great Indian leader Rajiv Gandhi. Thankfully, LTTE terrorism can never again claim valuable lives.
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) May 22, 2017
The country’s military released pictures of Prabhakaran’s body in May 2009, after he was found in northern Sri Lanka. The army reassured the public of his death to shut down any speculation about his escape from Sri Lanka.
At the time, his body was recognised by the LTTE’s former leader Karuna Amman, who claimed that Prabhakaran was accompanied by his fighters when he died during a gun battle in 2009.
Karuna revolted along with thousands of followers from the LTTE in 2004, marking a crucial point in the organisation’s downfall in Sri Lanka. He eventually became a union minister during former President Mahindra Rajapaksa’s tenure.