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WELCOME TO KARAIKAL HOMEPAGE

A SALUTE TO VELUPILLAI PRABHAKARAN

Valvettithurai was a famous port during the Jaffna Kingdom which existed from the early 13th century to 17th century ( AD121-1619). It was in this port city Prabhakaran was born on November 26,1954. He was the youngest of a family of one brother and two sisters. His father was a government official who worked under the Sri Lankan government.

The 1958 racial riots resulted in the slaughter of thousands of defenceless Thamil people living in the south by marauding Sinhalese thugs. One of the victim was a Hindu Priest at Panadura in the south who was thrown alive into a melting tar barrel and burnt to death. Years later when this ghastly story was narrated to Prabhakaran by an elderly widow it left an indelible feeling of pity coupled with anger in the young boy's mind. Still in his teens, Prabhakaran perceived that it was cowardice on the part of the Tamils to run away when attacked by Sinhalese mobs. He thought the Tamils, at least the youths, should stand and fight back unmindful of the consequences. Because, he argued within himself, that the alternative would be abject slavery. Not surprisingly his school days heroes were Subash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh both India's freedom fighters.

Prabhakaran had no illusion that the path that lay ahead was not paved with roses and that there was a definite price to pay. But he was ready for the sacrifice. Towards this goal, at the tender age of 14, he joined with seven other like-minded youths, who invariably were very much senior to him, to form a group . Interestingly the group's first attempt to buy a revolver for Rs. 150 had to be abandoned for lack of funds despite young Prabhakaran selling the ring he was presented at his sister's wedding for Rs.70! His involvement in extra- clandestine political activities resulted in his early drop out from school while studying in the 10th standard.

Prabhakaran's parents were unaware of his clandestine activities till the Police knocked at their door one day at the unholy hour of 3 a.m. Sensing trouble Prabhakaran sneaked out through the back entrance. He was only 19 years old at that time and he never returned home thereafter. He soon became a full time activist living under ground and moving from place to place to escape arrest by the Police. The repression unleashed by the Sinhala government against the Thamil people reached new heights at the beginning of 1970s. All peaceful protests by the Thamil people resulted in more repression and not less. The youths at that time saw the necessity to form a revolutionary political movement to fight back the racist government. The result was the formation of Thamil Students Organization ( Thamizh Manavar Peravai) in 1970. Prabhakaran headed the most revolutionary wing of the TSO.

Since he was one of the youngest member of the organization everybody called him "Thambi" meaning younger brother. This nickname in course of time became "Annan" meaning elder brother.

Toavoid arrest by the Sri Lankan Police, Prabhakaran escaped to Thamil Nadu. But he soon returned to Jaffna and founded the New Thamil Tigers ( Puthiya Thamizh Pulikal) in 1972. When he was only 17 years of age he became both the leader and the military commander of NTT. The first military operation carried out by the NTT was the assassination of Alfred Durayappa who was the Mayor of Jaffna and the Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party on July 27, 1975.

This was the first warning shot to all those Thamil Quislings who collaborated with the enemy viz the racist Sinhala government.

In May 1976 the NTT was renamed "Thamizh Eela Viduthalai Pulikal" ( Liberation Tigers of Thamil Eelam). He remained both the political as well as the military head of the LTTE. The objective was to turn the LTTE into a mass-based organization. Under the direction and guidance of Prabhakaran, LTTE opted to choose the path of guerrilla warfare against the Sinhala armed forces. On May 25, 1978 LTTE claimed responsibility for carrying out 11 military operations mostly against Thamil collaborators. The government responded with a law proscribing the LTTE in 1978.

Unable to stem the tide of revolutionary violence unleashed by the LTTE, the Jayewardene's government enacted the notorious Anti-Terrorism Act on the 20th of July, 1979. Reminiscent of Hitler's order to Rommel to annihilate all forms of Semitism; J.R. Jayawardene gave orders to his nephew Brigadier Weeratunga to go to the North and destroy all forms of terrorism within 6 months, that is before December 31, 1979.

But far from being destroyed, the LTTE grew in strength carrying out spectacular assaults on the police and the army. The first ever attack on the army took place on October 15, 1981 at KKS Road, Jaffna in which two soldiers died. This was followed up with a series of attacks culminating in the ambush of an army patrol on July 23, 1983 at Thirunalvely in which 13 soldiers got killed. Prabhakaran was one of the 14 LTTE cadres who took part in this ambush led by Lieutenant Sellakili who attained martyrdom. All hell broke loose in the South when the 13 dead bodies were flown to Colombo for burial. Thousands of Thamils were slaughtered by the Sinhalese hoodlums lead by Buddhist monks in yellow robes and millions worth of property were destroyed.

Under the able leadership of Prabhakaran, the LTTE which started with a sole pistol has now grown into a conventional Thamil National Army of 20,000. The military genius of Prabhakaran has been proved time and time again in Eelam War 1, 11 and now 111.

Not only Prabhakaran's admirers, but even his foes have paid tribute to his character and personality, his dedication and his natural military abilities, both strategic and tactical. Jyotindra Dixit, former Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and later India's Foreign Secretary wrote thus:

"First, the character and personality of its leader V Pirabakaran who is disciplined, austere and passionately committed to the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils' liberation. Whatever he may be criticised for, it cannot be denied that the man has an inner fire and dedication and he is endowed with natural military abilities, both strategic and tactical. He has also proved that he is a keen observer of the nature of competitive and critical politics. He has proved his abilities in judging political events and his adroitness in responding to them. " (Assignment in Colombo).

Prabhakaran was once asked at an interview as to who was his friend, philosopher and guide? The reply he gave was very characteristic of him. Nature is my friend, Life my philosopher and history is my guide. Again he was asked how he felt to be the most wanted man in Sri Lanka today? Prabhakaran replied in his own inimical style as follows:

" An Irish leader once remarked that when the British indict a person as a terrorist it implied that he was a true Irish patriot. Similarly when the Sri Lanka government refers to me as the most wanted man it means that I am a true Tamil patriot. Hence I feel proud to be indicted as a wanted man. "

Asked about his assessment of J.R.Jayawardena he replied stating "if he was a true Buddhist I would not be carrying a gun!" "Unceasing Waves 1" military offensive launched in July, 1995 saw the total annihilation of the well fortified SLA military complex at Mullaitivu. More than 1,200 troops were killed. And "Unceasing Waves 2" resulted in the over-running of the SLA's military camp at Kilinochchi in September, 1998. This attack on Kilinochchi army camp came only days after the Deputy Defence Minister boasted that 96% of the war was over!

The current "Unceasing Waves 3" planned, co-ordinated and directed personally by Prabhakaran, who is the Commander in Chief of the LTTE forces, swept 10 military camps in 72 hours beginning November 2, 1999. The LTTE forces under his command rolled back the SLA troops from the eastern sector of Vanni negating all the territorial gains made by the army over a period of 2 years. After pushing the Sinhala army all the way to Omanthai, the LTTE is now pounding the Thallady army base in the Mannar District. When Thallady, the biggest and the oldest (1990) army camp in the North falls, it will be a humiliating defeat for the Sri Lankan army and a stunning victory for the LTTE.

Prabhakaran's 45th birthday falls on November 26, 1999. Today he is a folk-hero and the undisputed National Leader of Thamil Eelam. He is also considered as the greatest military strategist and adroit political tactician in the annals of Tamil history.

K.KARUNANIDHI VS PRABAKARAN

Dialogue Between Sri Lankan Tamil Militants and Shri M. Karunanidhi in Madras 48 Soon after Shri V.P. Singh assumed charge, on his instructions, a fresh attempt was made to end the internecine rivalries between the various Sri Lankan militant groups and to persuade the LTTE to join the political process in North Eastern Sri Lanka. In pursuance to this endeavour, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M. Karunanidhi, held a series of meetings with the LTTE and other militant groups at Madras in December, 1989 and February, 1990. Regarding holding of this dialogue, Shri V.P. Singh, the then Prime Minister, deposed before the Commission on 15th. November, 1996, as follows:

Deposition of V.P.Singh (page No. 2-3) ".... The mandate to Shri Karunanidhi by the Central Govt., which was conveyed to him during a meeting in Delhi with me, Mr I.K. Gujral and also officials of the M.E.A. was that he should open a dialogue with all the Tamil militant groups or otherwise for a peaceful settlement amongst themselves with the purpose of participating in the democratic process of devolution of power to North Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka within the broad framework of integrity of Sri Lanka. Also it was spelt out to Shri Karunanidhi that if no solution comes. India will no longer give any military or monetary help to any of the groups, nor allow its mainland to be used for militant activities. Our support will remain a moral one for devolution of power and we will neither militarily support nor militarily oppose Eelam. And when talks failed amongst the various militant groups, then Karunanidhi made it very clear to all the groups that while we wish peaceful settlements we cannot give any further help and he spelt out the mandate that was given to him and after that all talks closed and there was no duplicity in dealing with the affair Sri Lankan Govt. was also involved in the talks separately. So everything was on the table. These meetings extended from December 1989 to February 1990. Shri Varadaraja Perumal had also met Shri Karunanidhi."

Shri M. Karunanidhi has also given a detailed account of the meetings held by him with the LTTE and other Sri Lankan militant groups in his deposition before the Commission. He stated:

Deposition of Shri M.Karunanidhi 22-11-96

"About the time Shri V.P. Singh took over as Prime Minister, the efforts of Rajiv Gandhi to send a Parliamentary Delegation to Sri Lanka did not fructify, the reason being Prabhakaran LTTE leader had come closer to Sh.Prema Dasa, then President of Sri Lanka. After V.P. Singh became Prime Minister he asked me like Rajiv Gandhi to contact the militant groups and have dialogues with them. As Rajiv Gandhi had told me earlier V.P. Singh had asked me to summon the militant groups and discuss with them how to avoid the fighting between the militant groups and find out unity amongst them. Why not LTTE participate in running the administration by participating in the NEPC Elections. As per the advice of the P.M. I contacted the militant groups and discussed with them. I held talks with them separately at Madras. Talks went on from December 1989 to February 1990. In the Port Trust Guest House on behalf of LTTE, Yogi.and Balasingam had come and had discussions with me, as representatives of LTTE. EPRLF, TELO and other militant groups had discussions with me at my house. The photos taken of other militant groups having discussions with me at my house which appeared in Murosoli dated 18-2-1990. This is marked as Ex. 557. TELO was represented by Karunakaran Srikantha, PLOTE represented by Kanakaraja Visu, EROS represented by Balakumar Bashir, EPRLF represented by Somu and Santhan, ENDLF represented by Rajan and Jayakanthan in the photo appearing in the Murosoli paper. The result of the discussion was that militant groups did not agree for unity. No fruitful results came out as was expected by Rajiv Gandhi and V.P. Singh. LTTE bluntly refused to work along with the other militant groups All of them wanted to have Tamil Eelam. LTTE was of the view that LTTE alone should get Eelam. When I pursued talks, except LTTE the other militant groups agreed with me that they are agreeable to have provincial autonomy with me that they are agreeable to have provincial autonomy within the United Sri Lanka.

Beneficial outcome of these talks is that during these talks and immediately thereafter there was no inflow of refugees from Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu. During these meetings there was no bloodshed between the militant groups. About this time IPKF was also in the process of returning to India and no violence was inflicted on IPKF by LTTE. Only this much result could be achieved by these talks."

The then political Advisor of Shri M. Karunanidhi, Shri Guhan has also, in his deposition before the Commission, spoken at length about these meetings. He stated :

"When the National Front Govt. came to power at the Centre, their manifesto stated that the National Front will strive to secure the safety and security of the Tamils in Sri Lanka and promote lasting peace and amity among all sections of the population in that country. It shall restore our friendly relations with Sri Lanka by withdrawing the IPKF, The DMK was a party to this manifesto. Mr V.P.Singh was sworn in as P.M. of the National Front govt on 2nd Dec, 1989. On the invitation of Prime Minister Mr. V. P. Singh, C.M. Sri Karunanidhi visited Delhi on December 11 and 12, 1989 primarily for discussion on Sri Lanka Minister, P.M. Mr. V. P. Singh and the External Affairs Minister Shri I.K. Gujral, conveyed the concerns of the new Govt following the announcement and the progress of the deinduction of the IPKF. They felt that there might be large scale violence on several fronts in the last stage of deinduction. And immediately after its completion, they felt that this would take the form of hostilities on one hand between the Sri Lankan Govt forces and the LTTE and on the other between the LTTE and other Tamil militant groups, especially the EPRLF which had been supported after the Accord by the Govt of India. They also feared that as a consequence there was likely to be a large scale influx of civilian refugees to India and also an influx of militant groups especially the EPRLF which was the target of the LTTE. They also felt that at the tail end of the deinduction, the LTTE might inflict heavy casualties on the IPKF itself. At the political level it was anticipated that there would be vacuum in the North Eastern region since the EPRLF Govt could not survive after the withdrawal of the Indian Army. As a consequence, the Tamils might lose what little they had gained by way of devolution. Accordingly, the Prime Minister requested the Chief Minister to hold the discussions with Sri Lankan Tamil Groups and use his good offices to ensure that these adverse consequences could be avoided.

The C.M. met the LTTE on three occasions, on 15th December 1989, 17th December 1989 and again on l6th February 1990 in the Port Trust Guest House, Madras. Mr Anton Balasingham, Mr Yogi Yogaratnam participated on behalf of the LTTE. Mrs Adele Balasingham also was present, but she did not spend in the meetings. There were no minutes of the meetings. I was present in all the three meetings with these LTTE representatives. The C.M. met the other Tamil groups, namely the EPRLF, the ENDLF, TELO, PLOTE and EROS in four meetings, sometimes together, sometimes separately. I think EROS met the C.M. separately. These meetings were held on 21st December l989, 17-2-1990, 18-2-1990, 22-2-1990 The last meeting was on 22 2-1990 when a Delegation of the EPRLF met the Chief Minister. That meeting I recall was held in the Secretariat. The Delegation was led by Mr A.Yusuf, Industries Minister of the N.E.Provincial Council. Mr Rajakaria, Speaker of the NEPC and Mr A.Kandaswami and Mrs Sreedharan.there were no further meetings held by the Chief Minister, I was present in these meetings. In all these meetings, the Chief Minister appealed to the Tamil Groups to avoid internecine bloodshed. There were lot of differences amongst the militant groups. So they were not agreeing to meet together, this was why they were meeting separately except for one or two meetings. All other militant groups except EROS were opposed to LTTE. EROS was closer to LTTE, that is my impression. The Chief Minister pleaded and repeatedly appealed to each of the militant groups to avoid patricidal war, Sahodara Udham. He also impressed on them the need to avoid any influx of refugees to India. He put particular emphasis on the LTTE not inflicting any damages on the IPKF, at the tail end of the deinduction. He made it clear that Govt of India would not be in a position to support any one of the militant groups in future and all that they could expect was diplomatic support to get their legitimate aspirations fulfilled within the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka. In this connection he underlined the need for all Tamil Groups to maintain good relations with the Govt of India. At the end of each meeting, the Chief Minister sent a message to the P.M. by phone or very often he used to communicate through Mr Murasoli Maran, the Central Minister at that time He also kept the P.M. informed during his visits to Delhi...

One of the points on which discussions were held with the LTTE representatives was whether LTTE was prepared to enter the North-East Provincial Council if it was reconstituted. Mr Balasingham's position was that they were not prepared to do that because they did not want any back door entry. they wanted the Prov. Council to be dismissed and fresh elections to be held. The Chief Minister then asked them if they would lay down their arms and enter the democratic process. their position was that they would not be prepared to lay down their arms. Balasingham himself would not say they would not have Eelam but they will participate in elections after dismissal of the present NEPC."

In his affidavit no. 85/93-JCI, Shri R. Nagarajan the then Home Secretary of Tamil Nadu, has described the developments of this period as follows :

".... It appeared almost certain that the IPKF withdrawal was a matter of time and only at this juncture the then Chief Minister of. Tamil Nadu Shri M. Karunanidhi was asked by the then Prime Minister of India, Shri V.P. Singh to explore the possibilities of bringing together the various Tamil militant groups of Sri Lanka. The city of Madras, the Capital of Tamil Nadu State, had became the centre of political activity. In order to find out a solution for Sri Lankan ethnic issue, various Sri Lankan Tamil Militant groups used to visit and discuss with the Chief Minister. To start with, LTTE team headed by Sri Anton Balasingam were at Madras between 15.12.89 to 18.12.89 followed by the other groups such as EPRLF, ENDLF, EROS, TELO and PLOTE. Thiru Varadaraja Perumal, then Chief Minister of North Eastern Province of Sri Lanka also made a visit to Madras during this period and had discussion with the Chief Minister. All the deliberations were at the political level and the results of such discussions were also reported to Delhi at the political level."

48.1 The policy of the Government of India, with regard to the issue of support to the Sri Lankan Tamil groups has been enunciated by Shri V.P. Singh during his deposition before the Commission. Before the dialogue he had informed Shri Karunanidhi that if no solution was forthcoming, India would not support the Sri Lankan Tamils groups in any concrete manner and will not allow its territory to be used by the Sri Lankan militants to sustain their struggle in Sri Lanka.

It is evident from the above evidence that despite earnest efforts taken by the Chief Minister Shri Karunanidhi to persuade the LTTE to lay down arms and bring an end to internecine warfare, the LTTE remained adamant till the end and the talks ended without any satisfactory solution. LTTE was the only organisation which continued to demand the formation of Eelam and did not agree to any solution within the framework of integrated and sovereign Sri Lanka.

It appears that the parleys between the Chief Minister Shri M. Karunanidhi and the LTTE led to a situation where the LTTE got encouragement to operate in Tamil Nadu as it perceived that the Chief Minister Shri M. Karunanidhi was sympathetic to them. At the same time, this factor demoralisation of other Sri Lankan Tamil groups.

In his statement given before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Tiruchy, u/s 164 (5) Cr.P.C., Shri Nagarajan, the then Home Secretary of Tamil Nadu, has elaborated on the effect of such meetings. He stated . (Para 6) "The visit of LTTE team .... to Madras for a preliminary discussion with the then Chief Minister under the direction from then Prime Minister V.P. Singh had further encouragement to LTTE enthusiasm on our land. Two such. meetings were held in Madras Port Trust Guest House, and the participants were only LTTE team with then Chief Minister During their two day stay in Madras, on each occasion under the oral permission of the Chief Minister, a few LTTE cadets residing locally were allowed to meet the LTTE team on deputation from Sri Lanka through the assistance of 'Q' Branch...." Shri Nagarajan's above disclosures indicate that there were LTTE cadres staying in Madras and the fact was known to the State Government and the Chief Minister. These cadres were allowed to meet their associates from Sri Lanka with the assistance of the State Police under the patronage of Shri Karunanidhi. The intransigence of the LTTE at this stage should have resulted in the implementation of the policy as enunciated by Shri V.P. Singh. Unfortunately, this did not occur. On the contrary, as l980 dawned, the militant activities of the Sri Lankan militant groups on the Indian soil, particularly those of the LTTE, proliferated, creating serious law and order problems having ramifications on the internal security of the country and reached a stage where the elected Government of Tamil Nadu had to be dismissed in January 1991, for its inability to check the militant activities of the LTTE in the State of Tamil Nadu.

The ethnic conflict between the Tamils and the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka shows no sign of abating,. The Tamil militants, especially the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) seem determined to pursue their military tactics. Velupillai Prabhakaran, Military Commander of the LTTE who lives in the jungles of Jaffna, northern Sri Lanka, in rare interview spoke to GENTLEMAN about the future of the strife-torn island.

B.B.C VS PRABHAKARAN

In a rare interview, the controversial freedom fighter spoke at length to JASVINDER SINGH. Excerpts:

GENTLEMAN: What compelled you to take up arms?

PRABHAKARAN: It is the plight of the Tamil people that compelled me to take up arms. I felt outraged at the inhuman atrocities perpetrated against an innocent people. The ruthless manner in which our people were murdered, massacred, maimed and the colossal damage done to their property made me realise that we are subjected to a calculated program of genocide. I felt that armed struggle is the only way to protect and liberate our people from a totalitarian Fascist State bent on destroying an entire race of people.

GENTLEMAN: But don't you think that you could have expressed your grievances within the framework of parliamentary democracy and within the confines of a free press?

PRABHAKARAN: The Tamil people have been expressing their grievances in Parliament for more than three decades. Their voices went unheard like cries in the wilderness. In Sri Lanka there is no parliamentary democracy where our people could effectively represent their aspirations. What passes as Parliament in Sri Lanka is an authoritarian rule founded on the tyranny of the majority. The Tamil representatives were finally banned from Parliament. There is no freedom of the press in Sri Lanka. The press is State controlled and is manned by chauvinistic journalists. The Tamils could not find any democratic institutions to air their grievances.

GENTLEMAN: Did you also try to win popular support and that of the Sinhalese people?

PRABHAKARAN: We do aspire to the support of the Sinhalese people. Our cause is fair and legitimate, but we are unable to mobilise the Sinhalese people in our favour because of the chauvinistic politicians and the Buddhist clergy who have been poisoning their minds against the Tamils. Yet we will continue to struggle to convince the Sinhalese people of the legitimacy of our cause.

GENTLEMAN: Don't you think that the Sinhalese and the Tamil masses have the same socio-economic aspirations despite the present divide?

PRABHAKARAN: Yes, that is true. Both the common Sinhala and Tamil masses are oppressed and exploited and they have similar socio-economic problems and aspirations. What divides them is the national conflict. The Sinhala ruling classes have generated this national contradiction to divide the Sinhala and Tamil masses to reinforce their political power.

GENTLEMAN: What were the conditions that influenced you to join the militant ranks?

PRABHAKARAN: From a very young age I was told of horrifying stories of brutal atrocities committed against the Tamil people. During my student days I felt the racial discrimination directly. In my early youth I had a clear picture of the nature of State oppression, which was engulfing the Tamil nation. I then realised that to redeem our people one must organise an armed resistance movement. That is how I founded the Tiger movement and got involved in the armed struggle.

GENTLEMAN: What is your family background and your relationship with your parents? Are you in touch with them?

PRABHAKARAN: I come from a very ordinary family. My father was a government servant. I have two elder sisters who are now married and settled. From my very early youth, I was drawn into revolutionary politics and became "wanted" person. When I was 19 year old l left home and went underground Ever since I have lost contact with my parents.

GENTLEMAN: You are normally projected as symbol of Tamil militancy. Even your own organisation projects you as a big hero. As a radical how do you justify the individual hero worship?

PRABHAKARAN: I cannot help this kind of projection and characterisation. l am only concerned with the political liberation and social emancipation of oppressed people. My people are aware of my commitment and trust me to lead them on the right path. That is why they show great affection. These projection may be expressions of people's love.

GENTLEMAN: How do you assess the present situate in Sri Lanka?

PRABHAKARAN: The present political situation in Sri Lanka is very critical. The Tamil nation is facing a genocide onslaught. The Sri Lankan Armed Forces are continuing their rampage on the Tamilian masses. Our people are subjected to massacres, mass arrests, arson, looting and rape. Thousands of them are uprooted from their traditional homelands and made refugees. Under the guise of a cease-fire, the Sri Lankan State has embarked on a policy of ruthless repression, military domination and annihilation of our people. The present chauvinistic Sinhala leadership has no genuine interest in bringing about a fair and just solution through peaceful negotiations, but is committed to militarily subjugating the Tamil people. Such a policy has made the pre sent, situation very critical and dangerous.

GENTLEMAN: How do you view the present pace of negotiations between the Sri Lankan Government and the representatives of the Tamil people?

PRABHAKARAN: The peace negotiations have been a futile exercise. This is a drama enacted by the Jayewardene Government to deceive the world. Although Jayewardene poses as a lover of peace, he does not desire a peaceful settlement. So far he has failed to offer any substantial proposals that would satisfy the political aspirations of our people. Under the facade of a peace process he has unleashed military terror aimed at the genocidal destruction of our people .

GENTLEMAN: Some time ago you charged that the Jayewardene Government utilised the cease-fire agreement to consolidate its military position.

PRABHAKARAN: Certainly, under the guise of the cease-fire agreement, the Jayewardene Government embarked on a massive militaraisation programme. The Government is spending a huge amount of its national budget on building its military machinery. Lethal weapons of all sorts are being purchased on a large scale. The Government has introduced legislation for conscription. The whole Sinhala nation is being mobilised on a war footing. New Army camps have been constructed in the Tamil areas. Foreign mercenaries as well as Pakistan provide training to Sinhalese soldiers in counter-insurgency warfare. The massive military mobilisation clearly shows that Jayewardene is bent on a military solution rather than being committed to the peace process of a negotiated settlement.

GENTLEMAN: The last time you came to Delhi you achieved a major political concession, in that the Sri Lankan Government agreed to constitute monitoring committees to investigate instances of cease-fire violations. Has the setting up of such communities helped to promote a more congenial atmosphere for controlling the violations?

PRABHAKARAN: (Visibly irritated.) What monitoring committees are you talking about? Have they published a single report? Have they investigated a single instance of cease-fire violation by the rampaging armed thugs of J.R.'s regime? The truth is that he has bought more gunboats from Singapore to kill our fishermen. The truth is that while the talks are going on he is murdering more and more civilians. The Armed Forces, along with the Navy and the Air Force, have conducted military operations.

GENTLEMAN: So for all practical purposes, do you think that the peace process has failed?

PRABHAKARAN: Well, talks so far have failed to bear any positive results.

GENTLEMAN: Does it mean that now there is no possibility of any negotiated settlement to the problem?

PRABHAKARAN: It depends.. .

GENTLEMAN: On India's position?

PRABHAKARAN: In a sense, yes.

GENTLEMAN: But are you optimistic that there is a chance of a negotiated settlement to the problem so as to avoid further bloodshed?

PRABHAKARAN: Past experience and history show that J.R. won't come to a genuine settlement. He is staging this drama to show that he is a peaceful man. The Indian Government has not achieved the desired results because of the stringent attitude of the Jayawardene Government. In this atmosphere we have come to a dead end, but India might try to bring both sides together. India must try harder.

GENTLEMAN: Did you say so to Romesh Bhandari during your talks with him?

PRABHAKARAN: Yes, we did.

GENTLEMAN: There was a press report some time ago that said militants had hacked some Sinhala civilians. What is your policy towards civilians in the armed conflict?

PRABHAKARAN: There was no truth in those reports. They are spreading these lies to malign the liberation movement. We were not involved in the incidents of Namalwatte nor do we know if any of our fraternal organisations were involved. We have never touched civilians. It is only when they attack our people that we protect them.

GENTLEMAN: I was once shown pictures of civilians allegedly attacked by the militants by the Public Relations Officer of the Sri Lankan high Commission in New Delhi.

PRABHAKARAN: Look, they have got these Home Guard thugs who are armed and trained by the Armed Forces. They dress like civilians but are almost like death-squads let loose on Tamil civilians now and again-to loot, burn, destroy. In some cases we have attacked them. They look like civilians. In some areas there are Sinhalese-Tamil civilian conflicts. These conflicts take place when the Sinhalese are brought to the Tamil areas to forcibly occupy the land. Clashes do take place to protect the land. I know that the J.R. regime's propaganda managers use the pictures of such incidents to ,say that the militants have attacked the civilians. But they don't tell the truth.

GENTLEMAN: So you have nearly agreed that the talks have come to a dead end and that till they are revived the chances of a peaceful settlement are very thin. In the interregnum, what will be your strategy? Are you planning to revive your guerrilla operations against the Armed Forces?

PRABHAKARAN: There is no war at the moment. We only defend ourselves when we are attacked. We will never go on the offensive.

GENTLEMAN: There were also some reports of the Sri Lankan Army's efforts to drive the Tamil peasants out of the Trincomalee districts and allow Sinhalese settlements in their place. What will be your stand if these reports are true?

PRABHAKARAN: We have no other opt ion but to fight back. We will effectively fight back and foil their plans.

GENTLEMAN: Are you satisfied with India's approach towards the Tamil problem and her role as a mediator between the two sides?

PRABHAKARAN: As a mediator, India is making genuine efforts to bring about a settlement to the ethnic conflict through a peace dialogue. We are satisfied with India's approach but we are deeply dissatis

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