Will there be a violent resurgence of the LTTE soon?

November 5th, 2010

By D.B.S. Jeyaraj

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)organization was virtually demolished in May 2009 by the Sri Lankan armed forces in a series of battles in the Karaithuriapatru AGA division of Northern Mullaitheevu district.

The LTTE leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran and almost all his senior deputies and commanders were killed along with thousands of cadres in the fighting that also incurred a large number of civilian casualties.

More than ten thousand LTTE members surrendered to the armed forces and were detained at special camps. A few thousands of these ex-tiger cadres have been rehabilitated and released. The rest will be released gradually. Legal proceedings will be initiated against hard-core members numbering about a thousand.

The important outcome of the Mullivaaikkaal debacle in May 2009 is that the fighting has come to an end. It is noteworthy that the tiger brand of violence has ceased in Sri Lanka. There has been no LTTE sponsored violence in any part of the Island for the past Eighteen months.

Even as the Country heaves sighs of relief over the absence of tiger inspired violence and moves forward sluggishly to heal the wounds and scars of war there does loom large the question of whether the current peace is permanent or merely an interlude.

At the heart of this question is the concern or apprehension that there could be a resurgence of the Liberation Tigers in the near future leading to a resumption of violence again.

What is worrisome is that a revival of LTTE violence could upset the slow but steady return to normalcy being experienced by the Country in general and the Tamil inhabited regions in particular. The limited progress towards lasting peace and true reconciliation would receive a major setback.

More alarming and dangerous is the irredeemable harm such an eventuality could cause to the Sri Lankan Tamil people. Decades of war conducted in the Northern and Eastern provinces has battered and shattered the Tamil people. They are now pitifully struggling to rise from the ashes and dust and emancipate themselves economically and socially.

A resumption of political violence spearheaded by the LTTE could alter the situation drastically. The Sri Lankan state would most definitely crack down hard and resort to iron – fisted rule again. Apart from the process of normalisation being reversed the state could also embark on some extreme measures aimed at transforming the current demographics of the North and East.

Ground realities however are against a tiger revival. Given the fact that the security apparatus in the North and East remains intact and that the relationship between the people of those areas and the armed forces has improved considerably the prospects of a LTTE resurgence seem remote.

Also the priorities of the Tamil people are rehabilitation, re-settlement and revival of economic conditions as opposed to resumption of violence. After decades of armed conflict that has left them in ruins the debilitated Tamil people are in no mood for violence again though a few irresponsible Tamil Parliamentarians do engage in chest thumping rhetoric.

Diaspora Factor

What is troubling however is the Diaspora factor.

Even though the LTTE received the death blow in Sri Lanka, its overseas structures were not affected. LTTE branches, fronts, businesses and media organs functioned as usual. Despite internal squabbling the tiger and pro-tiger sections of the Tamil Diaspora continue to espouse the Tamil Eelam cause and fly the tiger flag wherever possible.

In a deceptive move the claim is made that the tiger flag is not that of the LTTE but that of Tamil Eelam. Misrepresentations are made to sections of the mainstream media abroad and a new generation of non – Tamil speaking Tamil youths that the roaring tiger is the Tamil national flag.

The LTTE and pro-LTTE elements abroad have lost considerable power and clout after the military defeat of the LTTE in 2009.Internal dissension and factionalism has caused much damage to the movement. A striking example of this is the pronounced antipathy displayed by the one –time tiger media flagship “Tamilnet” towards the Transnational Tamil Eelam Government of its self – styled Prime Minister Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran

Gone are the days when the LTTE could mobilise thousands of flag waving demonstrators at short notice in important Western cities. A large number of tiger media organs have ceased to operate. Fund raising has not completely dried up but has certainly dwindled. Many “benami’s” holding or managing property and enterprises owned by the LTTE have begun “appropriating” them or selling them and running off with the money.

Hilarious too is the overnight transformation of many “educated” tiger supporters with impressive academic and professional qualifications. These people who justified every action of the LTTE including the assassination of those with different opinions have now become champions of human rights. They shamelessly align themselves with reputed human rights organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and International Crisis Group and talk of human rights violations by the Sri Lankan state

Another two-legged feline species that has emerged abroad after the decline of the LTTE in Sri Lanka are the “Internet warriors”. A whole range of websites and e-mail groups have been formed. The websites publish mostly fabrications and outright lies about the situation in Sri Lanka. The e-mail warriors continue to exchange fiery missives among themselves hoping and yearning for the collapse of the Rajapaksa regime and resurrection of the LTTE.

Amusing as these antics are the prospects of a LTTE resurgence and resumption of violence are not dismissed lightly by Western Law enforcement agencies. These agencies are concerned that there is some method in the Diaspora madness and that the spectre of a resurgent LTTE fomenting violence again cannot be ruled out.

Resumption

These agencies opine that a resumption of tiger violence cannot achieve any worthwhile objective and would be ruthlessly crushed by the Sri Lankan state. Nevertheless the possibility of a violent resurgence is not ruled out. There is also concern about the potential impact of such an abortive impact on the current climate of normalisation.

Western law –enforcement agency concerns about a tiger revival are shared by their counterparts in India too. A top level delegation of security and intelligence officials was in Sri Lanka some weeks ago for talks with Sri Lankan officials. A key issue discussed was about the possibilities of LTTE re-grouping and eruption of violence.

The Indian delegation also conducted a lengthy interview with Selvarasah Pathmanathan alias KP in Colombo. The former chief arms procurer of the LTTE now in the custody of Sri Lanka was asked a lot of questions about the possibility of a tiger resurgence and the role of the pro-tiger Diaspora. India seems quite concerned about the possibility of Indian soil being used for such an attempt. Sri Lankan officials were present during this interview with KP.

Currently legal proceedings are on about the extension of the proscription on the LTTE by India. The ban has been in force since 1992 and is periodically extended evey two years. This time the pro-LTTE lobby is putting up a spirited fight in courts against the ban extension. The Central and Tamil Nadu state governments are firmly arguing for an extension as they entertain legitimate fears of a potential LTTE re-grouping and resurgence in India.

There is however an important difference between Western nations and India over the possibility of a LTTE resurgence.

Western nations too are for a united, undivided Sri Lanka but would be tolerant of Tamil Eelam advocacy on their soil by Tamil Diaspora members as long as such activity remains democratic and non – violent. The Transnational Tamil Eelam Govt for example has held two open conventions in Philadelphia and New York even though the LTTE is proscribed in the USA as a foreign terrorist organization.

In the case of India it is different. Given bitter experience of the past it is highly unlikely that any tolerance would be shown to the LTTE or its sympathisers. If any loophole is provided the anti-state adherents and lunatic fringe separatists of Tamil Nadu would exploit it to rally their fortunes. The Naam Thamizhar Iyakkam (We Tamil Movement) formed by Film director/actor Sebastian Seeman has the tiger as its emblem.

Apart from the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi the past stupidity of the LTTE in training and providing arms to Manipur extremists is something India cannot overlook or condone. It is in India’s long term interests to prevent the growth of an organization like the LTTE.Thus even democratic,non – violent espousal of Tamil Eelam and propagation of tiger ideology is not likely to be allowed beyond a certain point in India.

It is a moot point as to whether concerns and suspicion shared by some western nations and India about a possible LTTE resurgence and consequent violence are valid in the current situation. How potent is the LTTE within the global Tamil Diaspora and what are the chances of the tigers unleashing violence again in Sri Lanka?

The Tiger and pro-tiger structures abroad can be broadly classified into two categories. One is the group consisting of organizations that are either fronts or sympathetic to the LTTE. Since the LTTE is banned in most western countries and the LTTE itself has been demolished in Sri Lanka many of these organizations do not openly support the LTTE now. Some even try to distance themselves from the tigers overtly while retaining covert loyalty.

Rudrakumaran

The organizations in this category are of three types. One is the Transnational Tamil Eelam Government (TGTE) and organizations,media and individuals aligned to it. New York based Lawyer Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran known generally as Rudra is the driving force behind the TGTE. Earlier Rudra was the legal adviser to the LTTE international secretariat and participated in the Oslo brokered Govt-LTTE peace talks as a resource person of the LTTE delegation.

Rudra was unanimously elected as the TGTE “Prime minister” and has recently announced a Transnational cabinet of three deputy –premiers, seven ministers and ten deputy-ministers. Two ministers and three deputy ministers are from the fairer sex. The TGTE assembly has a male speaker and female deputy speaker.Rudra is also planning to set up a Senate or second chamber.

While “Prime minister” Rudrakumaran and his ministers and deputy ministers provide comic relief to a number of observers, senior officials of some western nations are somewhat receptive to the TGTE concept at present. These officials feel that such democratic activity could wean emotional members of the Diaspora away from potential violence.

Some members of the TGTE harbour illusions of their self-importance and status. One “cabinet” minister is awaiting an official invitation from Colombo to touch down at Katunayake as a state guest of the Rajapaksa government on par with Indian Foreign minister SM Krishna. Others anticipate invitations for official negotiations with representatives of the Sri Lankan government.

The reality is that all identified members of the TGTE are black listed by Colombo and there is no prospect of the organization being treated seriously as a legitimate negotiating partner. Still the TGTE members delude themselves and deceive their supporters through these grandiose hallucinations.

Western officials however are willing to humour TGTE officials and would even have low-level unofficial talks with them because they perceive the Rudrakumaran set-up as a harmless joke and lesser of the evils.

The greater evil in western security perception are the structures controlled or guided by the Nediyavan faction. Those within the Nediyavan orbit of influence are the various LTTE branches, the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and its constituents and the newly formed Peoples fronts and national councils in different countries.

The Global Tamil Forum consists of fourteen organizations in different countries. Chief among these are the British Tamil Forum(BTF) of UK and Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC)of Canada. The BTF has been quite active and has established contact at high levels with many British politicians and media personalities. The CTC has not done as well and is constantly embarrassed by the bombastic pronouncements of its chief spokesperson and public face David Poopalapillai whose brothers in law were Vasudeva former deputy leader of PLOTE and journalist “Taraki” Sivaram.

Nediyavan

Constituent members of the GTF enjoy a certain amount of autonomy and adopt contrary positions on issues. There are divisions within member constituents too. The GTF is headed by Rev Fr. SJ Emmanuel, former Catholic Vicar-General of the Jaffna diocese. Fr. Emmanuel now based in Germany speaks out in a moderate, pious manner that is most becoming of a man of cloth.

However it is open knowledge that the clergyman holds rigid, hawkish views on the Tamil national question and is the ideological “Godfather” to Nediyavan and his minions.

Much has been written in these columns about Nediyavan whose real name is Perinbananayakam Sivaparan. He had been earlier appointed co-ordinator of overseas LTTE branches by Manivannan alias Castro the former LTTE leader in charge of tiger operations abroad. After Castro’s death last year, Nediyavan has been in de-facto control of LTTE overseas branches.

Perinpanayagam Sivaparan’s nom de guerre “Nediyavan” means Tall man. In recent times he has changed it to “Nediyon” which means the same but is in chaste Tamil and has a ring of respectability about it.

Thirty-four year old Nediyavan had joined the LTTE when he was 18. He was sent to Russia for higher education by the LTTE but apparently Sivaparan did not complete his degree there.

Nediyavan functioned in the LTTE’s political wing and accompanied former LTTE political commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan for the 4th round of peace talks in Thailand. Thereafter he re-located to Europe.

The LTTE during the peace talks period from 2002-2005 had sent a number of operatives abroad. Most of these cadres were from the political and intelligence wings. Nediyavan took up residence in Norway.

Sivaparan alias Nediyavan married Sivagowri Shanthamohan. Her father’s brother was Gnanendramohan alias Ranjan Lala. Gnanendramohan was one of the pioneering members of the LTTE and a trusted confidante of Prabhakaran. Ranjan Lala was shot in Jaffna by the Army when riding a motor cycle.

This matrimonial alliance strengthened Nediyavan’s clout within the LTTE.With Castro’s authority he resisted KP taking over as global tiger chief. After KP’s capture in Malaysia last August, Nediyavan or Nediyon was able to establish greater control of the LTTE overseas branches.

The TGTE concept was originally a brainchild of KP. Rudrakumaran regarded as a KP loyalist was entrusted with the task of steering the TGTE project even when KP was a free man. After KP’s capture all contact between KP and Rudra was lost. Rudrakumaran took over the project in full and devoted his time and talents towards implementing it.

The Nediyavan cabal perceived Rudrakumaran and the TGTE as a KP projection. It tried in many ways to obstruct its progress. One was to set up a rival network of transnational Tamil organizations. Another was to gain directional control of the Global Tamil Forum by exerting influence on Fr.Emmanuel.

The Nediyavan faction set up a network of organizations in the countries with large concentrations of Tamils. They were called Peoples Assemblies and/or national councils. As in the case of the TGTE where democratic elections were held in each country the Nediyavan network also held polls.

Jeyanandamoorthy

Despite these endeavours the TGTE concept grabbed the popular imagination and attracted people of a qualitatively higher calibre. So the Nediyavan faction changed tactics and began infiltrating the various TGTE chapters. A brazen attempt to topple Rudrakumaran was made by backing former Batticaloa TNA Parliamentarian Jeyanandamoorthy as a challenger to Rudrakumaran. The “mathiyuraingar” or adviser to Nediyavan in these matters is Jeyachandran Gopinath alias Jeya the Norway based editor of “Tamilnet”.

That attempt failed miserably as Jeyanandamoorthy was no match for Rudrakumaran. Realising that Rudrakumaran was unassailable the Nediyavan cabal revised its approach again and conspired to reduce or restrict Rudrakumaran’s powers as Prime Minister. That attempt too was foiled and the Nediyavan faction is licking its wounds and preparing for the next onslaught against Rudrakumaran

While the internecine rivalry between the Rudrakumaran and Nediyavan factions does cause some concern, Western law –enforcement authorities do not perceive it as a serious source of worry. There have been several incidents of low-level violence among supporters and activists of both groups in different countries. Even the TGTE conclave in New York witnessed friction between two violent groups and brandishing of pen knives.

Despite these signs the western law enforcement authorities do not fear a serious threat to law and order. In fact some officials see the intra- Tamil “competition” as a healthy sign of inner democracy flourishing amidst the Tamil Diaspora. They are also not hostile to activity such as hunger fasts, public demonstrations, sit-in’s, marathon walks, effigy burning etc as they are all perceived as legitimate forms of democratic dissent and protest.

While public protests and demonstrations by visible and accountable entities are not viewed with disfavour there is much concern about the less visible , non – accountable shady forms of activity. What is feared most is a resurgence of the LTTE and resumption of violence in Sri Lanka with its related consequences and repercussions. There is a general feeling that the Diaspora should not be permitted to sponsor and finance violence in Sri Lanka.

There has been a general consensus among western nations for quite a while that their soil should not be allowed to be used to raise funds for “terrorism” anywhere including Sri Lanka. It was as part of this consensus that the screws were applied on LTTE fund raising activity a few years ago. Countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Britain, France and Switzerland took action against prominent LTTE leaders and fundraisers.

Mullivaaikkaal

After the Mullivaaikkal debacle there was a short lull in these actions as most Western nations were sympathetic to the plight of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the war. The expectation was that these tiger and pro-tiger outfits claiming to be concerned about the Tamil predicament in Sri Lanka would garner as much money as possible and channel it for constructive purposes such as rehabilitation and resettlement.

That did not happen. Instead the tiger and pro-tiger organizations are conducting a vicious campaign against anyone helping the Internally displaced Tamil people of the North and East. If this was a disgusting exhibition of callous disregard for the Tamil people there was also disturbing information about fund raising for different destructive objectives.

This sent alarm bells ringing and the recent months have seen a crackdown in several countries on LTTE fund raisers and prominent activists again . Netherlands, Germany and Italy have taken a number of tiger activists into custody at different times. Some more arrests and detention of suspected LTTE fund raisers in other countries are expected in the near future.

LTTE fund raising has dropped drastically after the events of May 2009. Money is being collected mainly from hard core LTTE supporters and activists now. The volume of funds raised has dropped to 10 – 15 % of what it was a few years ago. Despite this sharp drop what perturbs security officials are the ostensible purposes for which some of these funds are being collected.

At one level funds are being raised for purported legal action against the Rajapakse regime and senior military officials. There is much talk of hauling the President, Defence secretary and high ranking officers of the armed forces before International tribunals as alleged war criminals. There is also talk of collecting evidence of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Fund raising for these purposes are being done at one level among relatively sophisticated sections of the Tamil Diaspora. To those educated Tamils with high qualifications the notion of legal action against president Rajapakse and other senior officials is an alluring prospect no matter how unrealistic the proposed project is.

So appealing is this scenario that quite a number of Diaspora professionals and academics have been contributing large sums for these plans. Some western lawyers and experts have been minting money off these gullible Diaspora suckers. One legal eagle was being paid 1000 US dollars per day as a retainer for more than three months until recently. There is a Tamil saying about the “all knowing Gecko (arappadicha Palli)falling into the pot of Kool (stew)”. These antics remind one of that saying.

What is sad about these things is that thousands of deprived Tamils are eking out a miserable existence in the North and East. These funds could be used to help them rather than being squandered on quixotic projects. The Tamil Diaspora which funded and fuelled the war that has caused misery to Tamils bears a moral responsibility. It needs to express remorse and make amends .Instead these sections go on in the same old way claiming now to seek justice for the dead while ignoring the pitiful condition of affected people who are like the “living dead”.

However comical and unrealistic these attempts may be the western law enforcement authorities are not too concerned about fund raising for legal purposes. What is of concern is the other type of fund raising being done clandestinely among sections of the Tamil Diaspora. These relate directly to the resurgence of the LTTE and resumption of violence.

Common Story

Currently LTTE activists and fund raisers are going around collecting money in different Western countries. They have a common story with variations in recital depending upon the target audience and narrator. The story in essence is something like this-

“LTTE leader Prabhakaran and Intelligence chief Pottu Amman are safe in a secret location with 2000 experienced tiger cadres. They broke through the military and naval cordon and reached safety a few days before the Mullivaakkal debacle.They are keeping a low profile for obvious reasons. But plans are afoot to launch a concerted attack on the North and East of Sri Lanka and capture strategic territory after annihilating or driving the armed forces away”.

“Meanwhile 10,000 cadres are being trained at other secret locations in different batches. The idea is to launch an all out assault under the overall command of Prabakharan and Pottu Amman. The combined force of 12,000 LTTE cadres will wrest back the territory of Tamil Eelam and reverse the prevailing military situation”

“As part of this military strategy we are also planning to conduct a series of coordinated landmine and bomb attacks in various parts of the seven Sinhala majority provinces. For this we are enlisting several Sinhala ex – service personnel through hefty bribes and payments. They will get into action at the right time in concert with our main attack”.

“For all these plans to bear fruit we need money. We can’t ask each and every person. Neither can we issue a public appeal. We can only depend on a few trusted and committed persons like you. So please give what you can”

This then is the basic story being told by tiger fund raisers to collect money.

When I first heard this story I burst into laughter. I realised however that the narrator of this story seriously believed it and was trying to convince me of its bona fides. So I put on a straight face. Subsequently I heard the same story being repeated by different sources from different countries.

Later I exchanged notes with a Western journalist who specialises in “terrorism” and has wide contacts with several national security and intelligence officials. This journalist told me that many security officials too had been dismissive of the story when they first heard it but were baffled by the intensity of those believing it to be true. They are also perturbed by the fact that some people at least are providing funds for this “mission impossible”.

The fact that an idiotic story like this is being circulated so widely and for so long is indeed a cause for concern. This shows that a large number of people are prepared to believe this story and contribute money. If people had raised doubts and refused to contribute the story-tellers would have either stopped spreading it or related a different tale. Since this story continues to be told it can only mean that it is yielding dividends.

Impossibility

This Columnist firmly believes that Prabhakaran and Pottu Amman are no more and that the bulk of the LTTE has been destroyed. Those who surrendered are being detained and released in stages after being rehabilitated. There may be some LTTE operatives and members of the supportive network who have evaded capture so far in Sri Lanka. But these people too are being systematically hunted and apprehended.

Given current global realities there is no country in the world that would tolerate the LTTE training 12,000 cadres for a military assault against Sri Lanka. Besides a launching pad for such an operation can only be in the South Asian or South East Asian region. This is impossible given India’s position.

The prospect of paying ex- service personnel to place landmines and trigger bomb explosions in a coordinated manner is also a soaring flight of fancy. Intelligence chief Pottu Amman had reportedly paid off many people in the defence services to engage in sabotage earlier. Such attempts were thorough failures. The level of genuine patriotism among members or ex-members of the armed forces would negate such attempts. Even an ex –soldier angered over the treatment meted out to Sarath Fonseka will not take LTTE cash and explode a bomb.

More importantly the security situation in the country is firmly under control. No large scale sabotage is possible. Equally impossible is a naval invasion envisaged by these LTTE remnants. Given the disparity of numbers between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the assault force estimated to be 12,000 and also the lack of naval and air support, the proposed tiger invasion would turn into a wholesale massacre if ever it occurred

Even if a small assault force was able to land and infiltrate or penetrate into the interior such a force would not be able to survive for long. That is the prevailing military reality today.

Against such a backdrop the attempts by LTTE activists abroad to garner funds for a military assault on Sri Lanka can only be termed as part of a gigantic hoax to hoodwink Diasporic gullibles out of some money. Given the level of blind hatred and irrational anger among sections of the Diaspora, a certain quantum of funds is likely to be procured for the invasion project. The stark reality is that such a project cannot take off or materialise.

To the question posed “will there be a violent resurgence of the LTTE soon”? the emphatic answer can only be a resounding NO!

Although the grand project of an all out military assault is an impossibility the tiger and pro –tiger Diaspora is certainly capable of continuing to be a source of trouble and irritation.

It would be interesting and informative therefore to scrutinise the tiger and pro-tiger sections of the Tamil Diaspora more closely in a forthcoming article.

TO BE CONTINUED

http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/1792

(சிரேஷ்ட ஊடகவியலாளர் டி.பி.எஸ். ஜெயராஜ் நம்பர் 6 ஆம் திகதி வெளிவந்த டெய்லிமிரர் ஆங்கில பத்திரிகைக்காக எழுதியகட்டுரையின் தமிழாக்கம் இது)

http://www.tamil.dailymirror.lk/index.php/2010-07-14-09-13-23/2010-08-31-14-50-37/11142-2010-11-14-13-45-29.html

Edited November 14, 201015 yr by akootha

Vinayagam emerges in Europe as new Chief of LTTE

November 12th, 2010

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

(CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK)

Writing in these columns last week about the state of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) overseas network I noted that “the Tiger and pro-tiger structures abroad could be broadly classified into two categories”.

The first category is the group comprising organizations that are either fronts or sympathetic to the LTTE.

This category about which I wrote extensively last week ,consists of organizations such as the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) headed by New York lawyer Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran, Global Tamil Forum(GTF) umbrella group under Germany based Catholic clergyman Fr.SJ Emmanuel and the network consisting of LTTE branches/fronts controlled by Perinbanayagam Sivaparan alias Nediyavan living in Norway.

What I want to focus on this week is the second category of LTTE structures which is basically non-transparent and less accountable. This category is far more dangerous because of it’s secretive style of functioning and radical aims. It is in a sense the “real LTTE” within the Tamil Diaspora milieu.

Furthermore it seems to have acquired a new leader in the form of a senior tiger “Colonel” who was reported as being killed in February 2009 during the fighting.

Before elaborating further on this “resurrected” tiger leader and the re-grouping of the “real LTTE” under him I would like to emphasise some salient points about the three main groupings comprising the first category of LTTE or pro-LTTE structures abroad.

TGTE-GTF

This category despite its relationship to the LTTE functions openly in various parts of the world. The TGTE and GTF activities are generally visible and transparent and even subscribe to a modicum of accountability in certain respects.

The TGTE which held two public conventions in Philadelphia and New York has a transparent administrative structure consisting of a 135 member assembly, Speaker, deputy speaker, Prime minister, three deputy premiers, seven cabinet ministers and ten deputy ministers. A second chamber of representatives will also be formed very soon. It is very likely that the TGTE would set up a permanent office in New York very soon within close proximity to the United Nations.

The TGTE has formulated an impressive program including that of rendering assistance to the affected Tamil people of North –eastern Sri Lanka. With all identified members of the TGTE being blacklisted and the Sri Lankan government having registered its opposition to the TGTE it remains to be seen as to how the organization hopes to implement its agenda. The TGTE is also under heavy pressure from the Nediyavan controlled faction.

The GTF umbrella network president is former Vicar-General of the Jaffna Catholic diocese Fr. S. J. Emmanuel. The GTF functions openly to a reasonable extent. Though comprising fourteen different organizations, the livewire of the GTF is the British Tamil Forum (BTF). Thanks to the efforts of the BTF the GTF has been able to set up a secretariat in London.

In what was perhaps a remarkable achievement the GTF has enlisted the services of former British Labour Party Parliamentarian Joan Ryan to be in charge of the GTF secretariat in London. Ryan will have two young researchers to assist her on a daily and weekly basis. The GTF is in the process of acquiring a full –fledged staff including public relations and press officers.

The GTF through its constituent members has engaged in dialogue with government ministers, legislators, high level administrators and media personnel of several western nations. The GTF claims that it is trying to help exert international pressure on the Colombo government to evolve an acceptable political solution while cooperating with international efforts to hold the Rajapaksa regime accountable for alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka.

Nediyavan

The network led be Nediyavan or Nediyon is somewhat different to the TGTE and GTF in the sense that it primarily consists of active LTTE branches and front organizations. With the LTTE being proscribed as a foreign terrorist organization in most western nations many of the identified tiger branches became dormant or transformed themselves into new entities. New fronts were also established.

The LTTE cabal headed by Nediyavan is guided by the self –styled “Mathiyurainjar” (Political adviser) Jeyachandran Gopinath alias Jeya Annai the Editor of LTTE website “Tamilnet”. Nediyavan’s group is firmly opposed to the TGTE led by Rudrakumaran and also all loyalists of former LTTE stalwart Selvarasah Pathmanathan alias KP. There is however some affinity between GTF President Fr. Emmanuel and Nediyavan with the former being regarded as the ideological godfather of the latter.

In a bid to counter the country –based chapters of Rudrakumaran’s TGTE the Nediyavan group also established a network of “elected” organizations in different countries among the Tamil Diaspora. These organizations were called either “Makkal’ Peravai” or “Thesiyap Peravai” (peoples or National Assemblies) in each country. These organizations held a series of referendums in different countries among the Tamil Diaspora to re-iterate support for the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Vadukkoddai resolution which formally raised the demand for Tamil Eelam on May 14th 1976.

There has been in recent times strong moves within the GTF and the Nediyavan network to forge greater unity in a bid to isolate the TGTE faction led by Rudrakumaran. Unity talks between Fr. Emmanuel and Nediyavan’s representatives were scheduled to be held in Norway on Friday November 12th. “Tamilnet” Editorial board members based in Norway are the accredited facilitators of these talks.

Duality

Although I have placed the Nediyavan controlled network in the first category of Tiger and pro-tiger structures there are difficulties in rigidly compartmentalising it as such. This is because of an inherent duality. While these functionaries try to project themselves as democratic political activists at one level many of them at other levels are involved in shady activity. This is because these outfits are fundamentally LTTE branches pretending to be legitimate political formations

Thus the Nediyan network despite its pretensions to the contrary is not transparent or accountable when compared to the TGTE or GTF. It’s democratic credentials leave much to be desired.Many of Nediyavan’s followers are not committed to non – violence.

Moreover the Nediyavan network is shrouded in ambiguity with many activists having shady, controversial pasts. Many of the key office-bearers in different countries are members or ex-members of the LTTE and have arms training as well as battlefield experience.

Also in recent times many members of the Nediyavan faction have allegedly been involved in criminal activities such as drugs, smuggling, credit card frauds, currency counterfeit, passport forgery etc.

Much has been written in these columns about Nediyavan, his background and circumstances leading to his leadership position among the tiger and pro-tiger elements of the Tamil Diaspora. Nediyavan who joined the LTTE as an eighteen year old has obtained arms training and battlefield experience. After working as an intelligence operative , Nediyavan was sent abroad by his departmental head Veerakulasingham Manivannan alias Castro to be the chief co-ordinator of overseas LTTE branches.

Castro though paralysed from the neck downwards due to injuries sustained at the Elephant pass battle of 1991 was functioning until his death in May 2009 as the head of LTTE overseas administration. With communication between the LTTE headquarters and overseas branches becoming constricted because of the conflict escalating , Castro assigned Nediyavan greater autonomy in administering the overseas branches.

After Castro’s demise and the Mullivaaikkaal debacle in may 2009, Nediyavan took over overseas administration of the LTTE in full.Consequentially Nediyavan resented and resisted the leadership of Selvarasa Pathmanathan. This was in a sense a continuation of the rivalry between Castro and KP. As a result the LTTE structures in the Diaspora became sharply divided between factions loyal to KP and Castro.

Network

The sensational capture of KP in Malaysia resulting in him being transported to Sri Lanka changed the scenario. Thereafter Nediyavan became dominant again.KP loyalists however rallied around Rudrakumaran and focused on setting up the TGTE. Serious efforts of the cabal led by Nediyavan to undermine, scuttle or capture the TGTE have failed and “Prime Minister” Rudra retains control of TGTE though relations between Rudra and KP are ruptured.

What is disturbing about the Nediyavan network is the preponderance of LTTE or ex-LTTE cadres among its key functionaries. For many years the overseas LTTE branches and fronts had been run or administered by supporters and activists who had not been members of the LTTE in Sri Lanka. Most ex-tigers who came abroad as refugees “hid” their tiger connections for obvious reasons and opted to integrate themselves as law abiding residents of host nations rather than identify with LTTE structures.

When the ceasefire came into force during the Oslo-brokered peace process from 2002 – 2005 the LTTE hierarchy took a decision to replace the overseas LTTE leadership with trained cadres from Sri Lanka. It was felt that the overseas branches were not functioning effectively because those administering them lacked the guts and qualities necessary to take risks and be dynamic functionaries.

As a result of this decision the LTTE utilised the ceasefire period to send a number of cadres overseas to take over the tiger set up there. The LTTE also got down to the Wanni some ex –tigers who had gone abroad earlier and obtained citizenship or permanent residence . The LTTE provided them with some leadership training and sent them back to their countries to take up leadership positions.

The LTTE also got down a number of overseas Tamil activists and gave them “all –round” training and sent them back to be in the forefront of pro-LTTE actions. A large number of these were youths.

As a result of these moves the LTTE branch leadership of at least 23 Countries was taken over by LTTE or ex-LTTE members with special training and field experience. Nediyavan was one of the forerunners in this enterprise and located himself in Norway . Being Castro’s blue –eyed boy he was placed in overall charge as chief co-ordinator of the overseas network.

Given the inherent attribute of secrecy and clandestine nature of the LTTE these overseas branches too generally adopted that mode.The ban on the LTTE in the west aggravated this tendency further. Moreover many operatives were involved in fund raising prohibited by the law. There was also the intimidation and physical violence. Adding to this was the involvement in crime.

So by its functional style and organizational structure the Nediyavan controlled network belong more to the second category of shady outfits even though I have placed it in the first category along with the TGTE and GTF. In short the Nediyavan network IS but not OF the first category.

Control

Nediyavan’s primary task has been that of retaining control of the overseas LTTE network. He has succeeded to some extent in this after the capture of KP. Most of KP’s loyalists have given up the fight to control the overseas LTTE.

Instead they are now involved in supporting KP’s efforts to help rehabilitate and re-settle affected ex-LTTE cadres and civilians in the North and East through the NERDO . Rudrakumaran’s TGTE is more of an elitist organization without grassroots support among LTTE overseas branches.

Despite coming out on top, the Nediyavan network has been struggling to keep up LTTE morale within the Diaspora and continue with fund raising activity after the May 2009 debacle. The Nediyavan group has resorted to lies, fiction and myth creation to retain control and collect cash.

Chief among these is the tale that LTTE leader Prabhakaran and intelligence chief Pottu Amman are alive. In recent times there has been the bizarre story about an invasion of Sri Lanka by 12,000 LTTE cadres.

In spite of these efforts and incessant Tamil media propaganda the fund raising has shrunk to about 10 – 15 % of what it was two years ago. Many of the “benamis” running LTTE enterprises are appropriating them. Some are selling the LTTE property bought in their names and pocketing the money.

The singular drawback of the Nediyavan cabal in the past has been its inability to inspire faith and enthusiasm among the Tamil Diaspora that the LTTE is not a spent force and galvanise supporters into action.

This scenario however is undergoing a transformation due to a new development.The overseas tigers seem to have found a “leader” around whom key LTTE activists are rallying around. This is none other than Vinayakam a senior sea tiger leader who was reported as being killed in battle in February 2009.

Challai

The 55 division then led by Brigadier Prasanna de Silva launched a successful operation against the Sea tiger base in Challai on the Mullaitheevu coast in the first week of February 2009. Prasanna was later given command of 59 division and led the decisive attackk against LTTE positions in the Vattuvaagal area in May 2009. Subsequently promoted as General he is now serving at the Sri Lankan high commission in London

On Wednesday February 4th 2009, Gemunu Watch 4 of the 55-2 brigade overran sea tiger positions to the north of the base after crossing the lagoon. Lt. Col Sinnakkannan and Major Annavelan were among the notable tiger casualties on that day.

On the following day the soldiers demolished tiger defences and overran the sea tiger base with most LTTE defenders retreating. It was officially announced that among those killed were Sea tiger deputy -commander Vinayakam and senior sea tiger leaders Pahalavan, Kathir and Kannan. It was stated that Vinayakam was third in command of the Sea tigers next to Special commander Soosai and Commander Chezhiyan.

Both the Army spokesperson at that time Brig. Nanayakkara and Navy spokesman Capt. Dassanayake told the media about Vinayakam’s death. The incident was widely reported in Lanka and abroad.It was also said that the death of Vinayakam became known by monitoring the LTTE communications channels. It was also said that the body was not recovered.

The LTTE did not confirm or deny Vinayakam’s death then. But after the fall of Kilinochchi the LTTE had stopped relaying battlefront news in a systematic manner. It had also stopped honouring the dead fighters publicly or denying govt statements about tiger casualties. Nothing was heard about Vinayakam thereafter and it was generally assumed that the senior sea tiger commander was no more.

“Mike Four”

This apparently was not so. It is now being said that Vinayakam was not killed in the fight at the Challai sea tiger base. The story being told now is that Vinayakam had actually been secretly sent to India for a clandestine assignment a few weeks before the Challai sea tiger base fell. Vinayakam’s communications identity code was “Mike Four”. The LTTE had deliberately misled the security forces monitoring tiger communications into believing that mike four had been killed. It is alleged that the security forces had been deceived and announced to the world that Vinayakam the No 3 Sea tiger had been killed.

It is not known as to what Vinayakam’s mission in India was but it is being said that he had been assigned that task by Intelligence chief Pottu Amman with the approval of tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran. Apparently Vinayakam had been “transferred” to the Intelligence wing from the sea tigers in January 2009 on explicit instructions from Prabhakaran and entrusted with the Indian assignment.

Again it is not known as to how much or how well Vinayakam implemented the duties he was allegedly entrusted with in India. But after the comprehensive military defeat of the LTTE in May 2009 , Vinayakam had left India and reached Europe after spending some time in a South – East Asian country. He has now sought political asylum in a liberal Country on the Continent.

Even though the overseas LTTE claims that the senior sea tiger leader “Colonel” Vinayakam who was reported dead in February 2009 is alive and has surfaced in Europe doubts are entertained in some quarters about the claim. Some suspect that the LTTE is promoting another person by the name of Vinayakam in Europe as the new leader of the LTTE . The sea tiger leader Vinayakam is really dead it is stated.

The name Vinayakam refers to Pillaiyar or Ganesh the Elephant headed God in the Hindu Pantheon. Some of the finest “Bhakthi” or devotional songs are dedicated to Vinayakan the son of Lord Shiva and Parvathy and elder brother of Lord Muruga. (My favourite is “Vinayagane vinai theerpavane” by Seergali Govindarajan). Hindus generally begin any new task or commence journeys after worshipping Pillaiyar or Vinayakan.

Vinayakam

The sea tiger leader with the nom de guerre Vinayakam hails from a sea-faring family in the Maruthankerny – Uduthurai sector in Vadamaratchy east division of Jaffna peninsula. He suffers from vision impairment in the left eye and is married to a girl from Vallipunam near Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitheevu district

Vinayakam had joined the LTTE as a teen ager in the late eighties of the last century. He received local training in Northern Sri Lanka and first served at Chavakachcheri in the LTTE Thenmaratchy division . Former LTTE political commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan known then by the nom de guerre Dinesh was the Thenmaratchy area commander with former sports division chief Pappa his second in command.

Vinayakam was transferred later to the intelligence division under Pottu Amman in the nineties. Vinayakam operated from a house close to Pottu Amman;s ancestral home off Anantha Vadali (AV) road in Ariyalai- Nayanmarkatttu. He became very close to Pottu Amman then.

When the sea tigers division was upgraded under Thillaiambalam Sivanesan alias Soosai in the early nineties, Vinayakam was transferred to that unit . It was in the sea tigers division that Vinayakam made his mark. He was reportedly a courageous fighter with tactical acumen. Vinayakam rose up steadily in the ranks.

When the ceasefire came into force in 2002 Vinayakam was also part of a tiger delegation that toured Europe and travelled under a false passport. It is said that he spent considerable time in visiting different dockyards and inspecting marine vessels of various types then.

The rivalry between Sea tiger special commander Soosai and Intelligence chief Pottu Amman is well-known among LTTE circles. Vinayakam was one of the few high-ranking sea tigers who maintained cordial relations between both Pottu and Soosai.

In 2007 there was an accident at sea where Soosai’s younger son was killed. Soosai himself was injured and went out of sight for a while. This made the rumour mills work overtime and there was much speculation in the media that Pottu Amman had gotten rid of Soosai and that Soosai wont be heard of again. This caused much confusion and even friction between Soosai loyalists and Pottu supporters abroad.

It was at this point that the LTTE attempted some damage control and broke its silence. An official acknowledgement was made that Soosai had met with an accident. The occasion was a release of a video No 11 in the series on sea tigers. It was senior sea tiger commander Vinayagam who referred to the accident in his seech and said Soosai was recovering fast. Vinayagam said that Soosai had planned the Video release ceremony while being in hospital. He predicted that Soosai will appear publicly very soon. As Vinayakam predicted Soosai was to appear a few weeks later in September 2007.

Operations

Vinayakam achieved prominence and recognition within LTTE folds when he led the attack on “MV Cordiality” off Pulmoddai on July 9th 1997. The Chinese crewed ,Panama registered vessel had been contracted by the Lankan government to ship out the mineral Ilmenite in large quantity. It was a combined operation done together with the LTTE commando uni “Leopards” or Chiruthaigal. The Naval flotilla providing security to the ship was attacked by the seatigers and leopards. The LTTE claimed three Naval gunboats were damaged and one destroyed.

Vinayakam also played a prominent role in transporting LTTE cadres by sea for two major land operations by the tigers.

One was the famous coastal landing near Maamunai-Kudaarappu off the Vadamaratchy east coast in April 2000 when an expeditionary force led by Brig. Balraj was dropped off by sea tigers. Balraj then moved inwards and in a historic battle interdicted supply lines at Ithaavil along the A – 9 highway or Jaffna –Kandy road.Troops at Elephant pass and Iyakkachchi were cut off as a result and ultimately both camps were overrun by the tigers.

The other was the offensive launched against revolting Eastern cadres led by Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias “Col” Karuna in April 2004. The LTTE shipped out cadres from the North by sea and landed them at various points along the Paalsenai-Vaagarai coast and the Thirukkovil coast. This successful shipping operation by the sea tigers helped immensely in the rout of Karuna then.

It is also said that it was Vinayakam who led the maritime attack on a Chinese trawler “Fu Yuan Ya 225″ on March 20th 2003. At least 17 crew members comprising 15 Chinese and 2 Sri Lankans were killed. The ceasefire was in force then and this was a blatant violation. The LTTE brazenly denied responsibility.

Another of Vinayakam’s feats was the attack on the Naval flotilla escorting “MV Pearl Cruise II” in may 2006. The Merchant vessel had 710 security personnel on board who were being transported by sea to the North. In the sea skirmish off the Point Pedro coast a Dvora gunboat ( P- 418) belonging to the Navy was destroyed and all crew members killed. Another Dvora gunboat (P-420) was heavily damaged.

Vinayakam has held various positions in the sea tigers and was at one time its offensive operations commander. He was also in charge of the intelligence unit of the sea tigers and worked in harmony with Pottu Amman. At one stage Vinayakam was placed in charge of the sea tigers along the Western and North – Western coast.

It was during this time that the Sea tigers launched a successful combined operation in Neduntheevu or Delft on May 24th 2007. It was Vinayakam who planned, coordinated and led the attack. Naval posts on the off-shore Island were attacked and the LTTE captured two anti aircraft machine guns, two machine guns, one RPG launcher and eight rifles in the Delft operations. The LTTE also managed to carry away the radar unit at Delft in addition to seizing the weapons.

Track Record

It was perhaps this track record as a senior sea tiger commander that made the LTTE hierarchy entrust Vinayakam with a secret assignment in India in early 2009. It appears that Vinayakam relocated to Europe after the May 2009 debacle.

What is important however is the fact that Vinayakam has not been content to simply lie low after seeking refuge in a western country. He has established links with several LTTE and ex-LTTE cadres and activists and is engaged in the formidable task of reviving LTTE fortunes. Vinayakam is now claiming leadership of the LTTE or what is left of the LTTE.

It also appears that Vinayakam has a sound working relationship with Nediyavan who is actively promoting the senior sea tiger commander as a rallying point.Vinayakam’s active combat experience and reputation as a successful maritime commander are assets being utilised to project an impressive image among hawkish tiger supporters abroad.

In Nediyavan’s perception “Colonel” Vinayakam has the stature to galvanise and mobilise demoralised tiger activists abroad without being a threat to his position. So Nediyavan too is promoting Vinayakam as the new leader. What Nediyavan and Vinayakam are striving to accomplish is the re-grouping and revival of the LTTE abroad.

While the first category of LTTE or pro-LTTE structures comprising the TGTE and GTF proceed with a comparatively moderate, transparent agenda the second category consisting of the Nediyavan network and LTTE cadres under the sway of Vinayakam will emerge gradually as the “real LTTE” with a more radical agenda. With a lot of LTTE and ex-LTTE cadres preferring Vinayakam to Nediyavan or any other person the stage is being set to install him as the new chief of the LTTE.

Partnership

Vinayakam is not averse to this but does not want to be in the limelight for now. He would prefer to interact with tiger supporters and activists discreetly in tandem with Nediyavan in a strategic partnership. Already Vinayakam is contacting various LTTE supporters,activists and ex-cadres quietly, saying he is alive and that he has taken over. He is also telling “all is not over” (Ellam mudinju pohavillai) and that “something will happen soon” (Kethiya Etho nadakkap pohuthu)

Interestingly there are doubts, as stated earlier, in certain circles about the real identity of Vinayakam. There is a school of thought within the overseas LTTE which believes that the senior sea tiger Vinayakam was indeed killed in the Army attack on Challai during February 2009. They opine that the Vinayakam who has surfaced in Europe is a different person who held a high ranking position within the LTTE intelligence division.

According to this view this Vinayakam of the intelligence division who had been sent to India for a special assignment by Pottu Amman on the instructions of Prabhakaran had relocated to Europe after the Mullivaaikkaal debacle. It is felt that he has now emerged as the new leader of the LTTE in Europe and is trying to regroup and revive the tiger movement with the full support of Nediyavan and his network.

The attempt to portray the intelligence wing Vinayakam as the senior sea tiger leader Vinayakam could be a deliberate move to create confusion it is felt.Apart from misdirecting authorities who may be on Vinayakam’s trail, the mix up of identities could also reinforce the myth of Prabhakaran being alive. If Vinayakam who was reported dead in February 2009 could be alive and surface in Europe then the leader Prabhakaran reported dead in May 2009 could also be alive and emerge would be the line of argument.

Whatever the truth in this viewpoint about sea tiger leader Vinayakam being killed and the Vinayakam active in Europe being another person from the LTTE intelligence wing, there is no doubt that the Vinayakam being projected as the new leader of the LTTE is firmly backed by Nediyavan. It is in a sense a mutually beneficial strategic partnership for Vinayakam and Nediyavan

The implications of this strategic partnership between Vinayakam and Nediyavan and its consequences for the Tamil Diaspora, Tamils in Sri Lanka along with its possible impact on the security situation in the Island would be examined in detail in a forthcoming article

TO BE CONTINUED

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இந்த ஆய்வாளர் ஒரு சில விடயங்களை சுருக்கமாக சொல்லக்கூடியனவற்றை கியூபாவின் பிடல் காஸ்ரோ மாதிரி நீட்டி சொல்வதில் வல்லவர்.

இந்த சில வரி செய்தியை " கடற்புலிகள் தளபதிகளில் ஒரவரான விநாயகம் நலமாக இருக்கிறார்: கொழும்பு ஊடகம் பரபரப்பு தகவல்"

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=77601 ஒரு தொடர் கதையின் பாகம் இரண்டாக மாற்றி உள்ளார் ($$$$$) .

Interpol “Red Notice” issued for new LTTE leader Vinayakam

November 26th, 2010

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

Sri Lankan defence authorities moved quickly last week to target the self-styled new leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) organization who is operating in Europe under the nom de guerre Vinayakam.

A team of Police and intelligence officials sought and obtained on November 24th, a warrant for the arrest of Sekarapillai Vinayakamoorthy alias Vinayakam from the Chief Magistrates Courts in Colombo.

Since the person concerned is operating in areas beyond national jurisdiction, Sri Lankan officials have sought and obtained the services of the International Criminal Police Organization –INTERPOL – to issue an “INTERPOL Red Notice” regarding Vinayakamoorthy alias Vinayakam for the alleged offence of terrorism.

An Interpol Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant. They are issued when the persons concerned are wanted by national jurisdictions (or the International Criminal Tribunals, where appropriate) .

Interpol’s role is to assist the national police forces in identifying or locating those persons with a view to their arrest and extradition. The red notices allow the warrant to be circulated worldwide with the request that the wanted person be arrested with a view to extradition.

According to documentation submitted by Sri Lankan officials Vinayakam is 46 years old and was born on November 10th 1964. He is 1.53 metres in height and speaks English and Tamil. The colour of his eyes and hair are black.

Given the importance of the man known as Vinayakam there is little doubt that Sri Lanka will seek the active cooperation of INTERPOL as well as the law enforcement agencies of several Western nations to apprehend the new LTTE leader.

According to informed sources in Colombo a detailed dossier has been compiled about Vinayakam and will be sent to relevant law enforcement authorities worldwide.

Confusion

Special care will be taken to remove any lingering confusion about the actual identity of the man known as Vinayakam. This is due to attempts by sections of the LTTE in Europe to portray Vinayakam as the senior sea tiger commander.

Thangavelu Vinayagam of Maruthankerni alias Mike Four had been earlier the deputy sea tiger commander and ranked third in the “Kadal puli” hierarchy next to Soosai and Chezhiyan.

Vinayagam whose vision in the left eye was impaired, lost his life in the fighting on February 4th 2009. Vinayagam was killed while defending the sea tiger base in Challai against an offensive launched by the 55 division then commanded by Brig.Prasanna Silva (Prasanna was later promoted as general)

Although Vinayagam’s body was not recovered troops from Gemunu Watch retrieved his identity card.

Sekarampillai Vinayakamoorthy alias Vinayakam who surfaced in Europe in the latter part of 2009 identified himself earlier to LTTE and pro-LTTE circles as being from the tiger intelligence division.

However there was a tactical shift in 2010 when Vinayakam commenced the pretence of being the sea tiger commander reported dead. He claimed that he had been sent on an important assignment to India by LTTE intelligence chief Pottu Amman and that reports of his death were false.

Some LTTE activists in Europe also began projecting the wrong impression that Vinayakam was indeed the sea tiger senior commander reported dead. Since the sea tiger commander had impaired vision the “pretender” was seen wearing dark glasses at certain times to cover his eyes.

According to informed Tamil circles in Europe some sections of LTTE and pro-LTTE elements were fully aware that the Vinayakam who had emerged in Europe was not the senior sea tiger commander but a key leader of the LTTE intelligence wing.

Masquerade

Nevertheless these elements sanctioned the masquerade for certain reasons. The main reason was to sow seeds of confusion among people about the real identity of “intelligence” Vinayakam. Portraying him as the “resurrected” Vinayakam helped achieve that.

Another important reason was that circulating a story of a person being reported dead as being alive helped boost the morale of many de-moralized tiger activists. It cast the Sri Lankan authorities in a negative light for making false claims.

More importantly it helped propagate the myth that LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and intelligence leader Pottu Amman were alive. If Vinayakam reported dead in February 2009 could turn up “alive” in Europe then Prabhakaran and Pottu reported dead in May 2009 could also be alive and emerge at an opportune moment was the “logic”.

Apart from these reasons projecting the new LTTE leader as the senior sea tiger commander also served another practical purpose. The overseas LTTE has been spreading a story that efforts were underway to launch a “naval” invasion of Sri Lanka. This was a fabrication to collect money from gullible.

However it was easier to convince people that such a “naval” feat was possible by saying that an experienced sea tiger commander known for his military exploits was at the helm of affairs rather than a comparatively unknown intelligence operative.

It was against this backdrop that Vinayakam adopted the pretence. It was however not a total masquerade because a lot of key LTTE personnel in Europe knew the real identity of Vinayakam. Thus the man could only mislead some sections that he was the sea tiger commander.

It was hilarious to see the consternation among certain pro-tiger websites when Vinayakam was exposed as a pretender . In a desperate bid to demonstrate that they knew the real identity of Vinayakam beforehand these sites began providing details that firmly exposed the masquerade.

Though Vinayakam of the LTTE intelligence may be less known than Vinayakam of the sea tigers the importance and potential of the former cannot be underestimated. The new leader of the LTTE has had a destructive role in the LTTE in the past and does have the capacity to cause damage in the future. It is perhaps due to this that Sri Lankan authorities are acting fast to get him arrested.

Thenmaratchy

Sekarapillai Vinayakamoorthy alias Vinayakam was born on November 10th 1964. His family hails from Idaikkurichchi in the Varani area of Thenmaratchy region. The family however lived for some years in Chavakachcheri.

Vinayakamoorthy joined the LTTE formally in 1985 at the age of 20. He had been a LTTE “helper” as a schoolboy earlier. He is reported to have obtained local military training in the Soranpatru-Maasaar areas and Puloppalai-Kilaaly areas in the Southern and south-western areas of the Jaffna peninsula.

Vinayakam was initially stationed in the Thenmaratchy sector of the LTTE then referred to as “Los Angeles” within tiger circles. Thileepan alias “Curdles” was in charge of Thenmaratchy.

The Vadamaratchy sector under Soosai was called “California” while the Valigaamam sector under Johnny was known as “Chicago”. Sathasivampillai Krishnakumar alias Kittu was in overall charge of Jaffna district tigers then.

Curdles under whom Vinayakam initially functioned was later killed in the Kaithady bowser explosion of February 14th 1987.

Thereafter Thenmaratchy was placed under the joint command of Kunjan and Packiyaraj. After awhile a new head Naren was appointed.

Later Naren was replaced by Abdullah during the ceasefire period after the Indo – Lanka accord of July 29th 1987.

The short interlude of peace was rudely shattered after the arrest and subsequent suicide of 12 LTTE cadres including senior leaders Kumarappa and Pulendiran.

Among those who swallowed cyanide at Palaly was Abdulla the newly appointed Thenmaratchy commander.

War erupted between the Indian Army and LTTE after this incident. Former LTTE political Commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan who was then known as Dinesh was appointed head of Thenmaratchy.

He was from Madduvil in the region. Pappa from Manthuvil (also from Thenmaratchy region) was appointed his deputy.

Vinayakamoorthy continued to be attached to the LTTE Thenmaratchy sector during all these changes from Curdles to Thamilselvan. He reportedly worked directly under Pappa and was stationed in the Amban –Kudathanai- Varany area.

After the Indian Army left Sri Lankan shores in 1990 the LTTE acquired control of the greater part of the Northern province including Jaffna peninsula. The LTTE organization was re-vamped and re-structured

“Iyanna”

The new changes saw Vinayakamoorthy being absorbed into the LTTE intelligence wing known as Tiger Organization Security Intelligence Service (TOSIS) headed by Pottu Amman.

He was promoted as Second Lieutenant and given a new nom de guerre “Iyyanna”. (This is different to the “Aiyanna” nom de guerre of Ponniah Anandarajah the LTTE international arms procurer).

Vinayakamoorthy alias “Iyanna” worked directly under Pottu Amman from 1990 – 93. It is said that he endeared himself to Pottu Amman through slavish devotion.

A former LTTE member now living in the west refers derisively to Vinayakamoorthy’s sycophancy by saying that “Iyanna” was like a peon to Pottu in office and a servant boy to Pottu’s wife at home.

1994 saw Vinayakamoorthy being promoted as Lieutenant and transferred to Vavuniya as intelligence leader for the Vavuniya district. In 1996 he was given the responsibility of conducting reconnaissance or “rekke” in the jungles of the Northern and North Central Province and devising jungle routes to infiltrate govt controlled regions.

Later in 1997 he was assigned to coordinate work with former LTTE military intelligence chief Charles who was in charge of all covert operations and assassinations in Colombo and the Provinces outside the Northern and Eastern provinces. Vavuniya and Batticaloa were the key points from where preparations were planned and executed for such activity.

Ramanan the intelligence leader for Batticaloa-Amparai and Vinayakamoorthy alias Iyanna the Vavuniya district intelligence leader handled logistics at their respective ends.Both had a preparatory role in many of the assassinations perpetrated by the LTTE during this time

In 1999 Vinayakamoorthy was promoted as Captain , assigned fresh duties and sent to the greater Colombo region. He worked together with Charles and was reportedly stationed in the Negombo area. It is said that he used a shorter form of his real name Vinayakamoorthy then. He was called Vinayakam. This incidently was the name by which he was known when he joined the LTTE in 1985.

During his stint in Negombo –Colombo , Vinayakam’s primary “achievement” was apparently the role he played in laying the groundwork for the LTTE assault on the Katunayake international Airport on July 12th 2001. After the successful accomplishment of this task, Vinayakam was recalled to the Wanni and rewarded with promotion as Major.

Intelligence

The Oslo facilitated peace process saw a ceasefire coming into force from February 23rd 2002. This period saw the LTTE focusing to a great extent on activity within the global Tamil Diaspora. The idea was to exploit the ceasefire period and strongly spread tiger tentacles throughout the Diaspora.

An important component of this strategy was to send LTTE cadres with active military experience to various countries to help administer the tiger branches and fronts. The LTTE hierarchy felt that committed tigers with combat experience would exercise greater control over the Diaspora and run things with ruthless precision

Integral to this strategy was the role of the LTTE intelligence division. Several tiger intelligence operatives were sent abroad to India as well as many western nations. Some were mere “moles” expected to observe discreetly and report back on matters. Others were expected to liaise with key operatives of LTTE branches and fronts and engage in tiger activity.

In similar fashion the LTTE also sent out a number of intelligence operatives to various parts of Sri Lanka during this time. While some maintained contact with their headquarters others were reportedly sleepers who were to be “activated” when and if the necessity arose.

The LTTE intelligence division created a special unit to oversee matters concerning these operatives working outside the Wanni in various parts of Sri Lanka as well as those functioning abroad utside Sri Lanka. The special intelligence unit was called “External-Internal Intelligence Affairs”.

Vinayakamoorthy was made the head of this special unit in 2002. Once again his nom de guerre was changed when assigned this new responsibility. Vinayakamoorthy alias Vinayakam alias Iyanna was now called Arivazhaghan.

At one point Major Arivazhaghan travelled to India under a false passport and stayed for a while there setting up a support network. He also accompanied the LTTE delegation going to Europe for “peace talks” under a false passport and travelled through many European countries engaging with the Diaspora quietly.

Vinayakam’s stock was on the rise during this time. His brother Sakthi was appointed as head of the Timber board set up by the LTTE in the Wanni. The timber board controlled all aspects of felling trees for construction and firewood.It levies taxes from woodcutters, sellers and timber merchants. Sakthi was appointed because of the clout wielded by his brother.

Communication

The situation changed drastically after Mahinda Rajapaksa became President in November 2005. The fragile peace process collapsed completely and soon full-scale war erupted. Communication between the LTTE overseas structures and the hierarchy in the Wanni came under heavy strain. As the Army kept advancing and the tigers retreating the links with overseas branches and fronts were severely ruptured.

What Vinayakamoorthy’s role was during this period where war escalated in the Wanni is not very clear. It appears that he remained close to Pottu Amman and was one of the ten member inner circle around the National Intelligence chief(TOSIS Had been renamed)

The fall of Kilinochchi on January 2nd 2009 sent alarm bells ringing within LTTE circles. The LTTE began resorting to desperate measures to stave off impending defeat.

One such move was the deployment of a team from the black tiger suicide squad to the South to indulge in mayhem and destruction. The team was led by none other than Vinayakamoorthy ow promoted as Lt. Colonel. Vinayakamoorthy was not expected to engage in a suicide attack himself. He was expected to plan,coordinate and supervise these suicide attacks.

The team of 15 -20 black tigers led by Vinayakamoorthy deployed by the LTTE in January 2009 ran into difficulties when they tried to enter the North Central Province through jungle routes in the Vavuniya-Anuradhapura region. It is said that at least half of the team was wiped out in a skirmish with troops on patrol duty.

Vinayakamoorthy apparently managed to escape with a few of the survivors. Some other members of the team turned back. Vinayakam made his way to the South with the rest of the team . Though the LTTE hierarchy expected a big “bang” nothing of the sort occurred. Vinayakam simply could not deliver as expected. The whole exercise turned into a damp squib.

The failure was in another sense a blessing in disguise for Vinayakam had continued to stay outside the Wanni when the Armed forces were closing in on LTTE positions. Vinayakam of course had the excuse that he was trying to launch a major attack in the South but was finding it difficult to do so because of intensified security

This situation though detrimental to the interests of the LTTE hierarchy was beneficial to Vinayakam. He was comparatively “safe” outside the Wanni when the LTTE put up its last stand in besieged Karaithuriapatru AGA division of Mullaitheevu district. Thus Vinayakam did not perish like other LTTE senior leaders in the Mullivaaikkaal debacle. In fact he made his way to India shortly before the LTTE defeat

Arivazhaghan

Once in India Vinayakam adopted once again the name Arivazhaghan. He added a veneer of respectability to it by using the name Kathirgamathamby also. Utilising the finances and contacts at his disposal Vinayakam arranged the “evacuation” of various LTTE intelligence personnel deployed in various areas outside the Wanni. Many of them were flown out to India,Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. A few boats too were arranged from the Eastern coast

Vinayakam functioning as Kathirgamathamby Arivazhaghan was in the news when a statement was issued under his name shortly after the death of Prabhakaran was announced by Selvarasah Pathmanathan alias KP. Arivazhaghan denied that Prabhakaran was dead. Later a second statement was issued by Arivazhaghan confirming that Prabhakaran was indeed dead. A public apology was issued for the previous statement.

Under Vinayakam or Arivazhaghan’s direction the LTTE intelligence operatives in different parts of the world became a closely-knit unit. Since Arivazhaghan had been in charge of LTTE external intelligence and knew most operatives personally he did not find it difficult to establish his authority.

One of the first tasks accomplished by tiger intelligence wing under Arivazhaghan was that of resolving the leadership crisis.

Selvarasah Pathmanathan alias KP had taken over the reins as the seniormost LTTE leader free and alive. This was resisted by Perinpanayagam Sivaparan alias Nediyavan who was in charge of overseas LTTE branch administration.

LTTE intelligence wing members abroad conducted an “opinion poll” among stalwart tiger supporters in the Diaspora as to who was best equipped to lead the LTTE. The poll resulted in KP being endorsed by most of those interviewed.

As a result the intelligence wing led by Kathirgamathamby Arivazhaghan threw in its lot with KP. This strengthened KP’s hand in negotiations with Nediyavan thus paving the way for him to assume leadership as “Thalaimai Seyalar” (chief secretary) in a restructured LTTE.

Indian officialdom however began to suspect that a senior LTTE intelligence operative was functioning from Indian soil. The net began to tighten. Vinayakam however managed to leave India for a South East Asian country as the net closed. From there he flew to London on a false passport with the help of relatives in Britain. This was in October/November 2009.

Europe

After a brief sojourn in Britain, Vinayakam crossed over to the Continental mainland. It is suspected that he applied for political asylum under a bogus identity in a liberal European Country and moved to another country shortly afterwards. Vinayakam is apparently shuttling from one European country to another establishing contact with prominent Diaspora personalities

Meanwhile things changed soon when KP was arrested in Malaysia and transported to Sri Lanka. With that development, Nediyavan’s power increased within the LTTE elements in the Diaspora.

Vinayakam who had earlier backed KP also began shifting. He began mending fences with Nediyavan and gradually entered into a strategic partnership with the “tall man”.

There seems to be a clear demarcation of authority between Vinayakam and Nediyavan.

Vinayakam has woven the various tiger intelligence operatives into a closely knit unit and remains in sole charge of that. Nediyavan has no say with the tiger intelligence wing.The intelligence wing does not function overtly as a distinct entity but its members adopting low profiles work in many different tiger structures

Likewise Nediyavan remains in charge of the LTTE branches and fronts.Vinayakam does not interfere in the day to day administration of these structures. If and when Vinayakam wants any branch or front to do anything he has to go through the “good offices” of Nediyavan.

Three Persons

Three persons are reportedly liaising between Vinayakam and Nediyavan. One is Aravinthan alias Irumporai, The other two are Nanthagopan and Anbuchelvan.

Irumporai is said to be a key operative of the LTTE’s military intelligence division. He had been sent to Laos in late 2008 for “purchasing”. After the war ended in May 2009, Irumporai had relocated to Europe.

Anbuchelvan was sent to Norway during the ceasefire period. He is in charge of the Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) which controls most activity undertaken by the younger generation within the Tamil Diaspora.

Nanthagopan is a close associate of Manivannan alias Castro who hid his LTTE identity and surrendered to the Army as a “civilian” during the last stages of the war.

He managed to “bribe” a Tamil political party working with the govt and escape from the IDP camp. The party concerned brought Nanthagopan to Colombo and put him safely aboard a flight to Thailand after providing him with a passport under a false name. The “bribe” apparently amounted to millions.

This trio of Irumporai, Anbuchelvan and Nanthagopan are responsible for liaising and coordinating action between nediyavan and Vinayakam. They were to a great extent responsible for bringing both together and helping to evolve a strategic partnership.

Nediyavan

As far as Nediyavan is concerned his interests lie in perpetuating his control of the LTTE structures abroad and keeping intact the businesses and property belonging to the LTTE. He also needs to ensure a steady quantum of fund raising as many of his operatives get paid huge sums of money as “salary”.

Nediyavan’s track record shows that he is a selfish charlatan whose aim is to retain control of the money. Although he propagates the myth that Prabhakaran is alive ,it was Nediyavan who refused to give KP the 3.5 million US dollars necessary to stage a helicopter rescue of the leader and his family.

Thus Nediyavan does not seem to be a man who would risk anything for the cause he believes in. He is in a way symbolic of the hypocrites among pro-LTTE elements in the Diaspora

Vinayakam however may be somewhat different to Nediyavan in the sense that his commitment to the LTTE cause may be stronger and more genuine. He seems to be a man with a mission and there is evidence of methodical dedication in his conduct after Vinayakam escaped from Sri Lanka

Vinayakam

Vinayakam has been telephoning many LTTE supporters in the Diaspora and also meeting a few in person. He tries to restore their spirits by telling them “all is not over” (Ellam mudinju pohavillai) and that “something will happen soon” (Kethiya Etho nadakkap pohuthu).

Interestingly Vinayakam introduces himself as “Colonel” nowadays though it is doubtful whether he was ever made one

Vinayakam was reportedly travelling freely among several countries in Continental Europe. After he came under media spotlight Vinayakam began restricting his movements.

The tiger elements in Europe are spreading a story that Vinayakam has gone to Canada. This however is not true and Vinayakam continues to be a European resident though some say he is in a Scandinavian country at present.

In the long term the LTTE cannot remain viable and strong within the Diaspora on the strenth of the myth that Prabhakaran is alive. It also cannot rely on the lie that 12,000 cadres are being trained at secret locations and that a naval invasion would be launched soon.

Violence

What the LTTE remnants need to perpetuate themselves in the Diaspora is some major incident of violence in Sri Lanka. If that happens the tigers can recharge their batteries abroad and launch massive fund raising campaigns to “finance” the next operation. Incidently it was so amusing to see the frenzy of excitement in tiger circles when the Karadiyanaaru explosion occurred. They ended up as deflated balloons when it became known that it was an accident.

Against that backdrop Vinayakam seems capable of triggering off an “incident” in Sri Lanka.

Given the strength of the security forces and the preparedness of the defence establishment any big military “attack” is a virtual impossibility.

What could be possible is a comparatively minor incident like an assassination or bomb explosion

Hypothetically it is possible for the overseas tigers to use the money power at their disposal and pay off someone or some people in Sri Lanka to toss a grenade, or detonate a bomb in a public place.A prominent person could also be shot to death.

Given their money power the overseas tigers could get a poverty stricken ex-LTTE cadre to engage in such an act. Hypothetically it is also possible to get an ex –serviceman or ex-homeguard also to engage in violence. Even the underworld could be used.

What the LTTE needs is a single grenade, a single bomb or single gun to enact a single incident.

Potential

In such a scenario it is Vinayakam with his track record and experience who has the potential to bring about violence in Colombo or any other part of Sri Lanka.

It must be remembered that Vinayakam in association with Charles had been involved in planning and executing several acts of violence in the South. It is logical therefore to surmise that Vinayakam may still posses the contacts necessary to get someone or some people to engage in violence.

The strategic partnership between nediyavan and Vinayakam is based on the premise that each needs the other. Nediyavan needs Vinayakam to galvanise the overseas structures of the LTTE and boost fund raising.

More importantly Nediyavan knows that only Vinayakam could arrange for a violent incident in Sri Lanka

As for Vinayakam he needs the funds at Nediyavan’s disposal for his intelligence unit to function. He also needs finances to launch any

“Project” he may be having in mind.

More importantly Vinayakam knows that he cannot function effectively if he alienates Nediyavan. The way in which Nediyavan stymied the well-meaning efforts of KP is a striking lesson to Vinayakam.

These then are the reasons for the more senior Vinayakam to toe the relatively junior Nediyavan’s line and enter into a strategic partnership.

Nediyavan has been content for the moment to let Vinayakam don the mantle of LTTE leadership. Vinayakam is currently engaged in approaching various persons with a LTTE background and inviting them to join the LTTE central committee being set up under him. It remains to be seen as to how Vinayakam’s efforts succeed in the future.

Red Notice

Colombo however is not taking the potential of Vinayakam lightly. There is recognition among the upper echelons of the defence establishment that the new leader of the LTTE has the wherewithal in him to be a problem at worst and nuisance at best.

Hence the rapid moves to issue a red notice by INTERPOL. This is expected to compel Vinayakam to go underground and curtail his functional ability. Thereafter Lankan officials will enlist the support of Western law enforcement agencies to trace and apprehend Vinayakam and possibly get him deported.

The founder leader of the LTTE Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed by the shores of Nandhikkadal lagoon in May 2009. His successor Selvarasah Pathmanathan alias KP was seized and brought to Colombo in August 2009. Now there has emerged a new LTTE leader in Europe.

What will the fate of Sekarapillai Vinayakamoorthy alias “Col” Vinayakam be?

http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/1820

இவரே அவர் கடல் புலி விநாயம் எண்டுவாராம்... இவரே அவர் கடல்புலி இல்லை எண்டு கண்டு பிடிப்பாராம்... நல்லா அவிக்கிறார்...

உவர்தான் திருந்தினவர் எண்டு சொன்னனீயளோ...??

அப்ப இப்ப நெடியவன் பிரச்சினை இல்லையோ....??

Edited November 28, 201015 yr by தயா

ஒரு பக்கம் "ரெட் நோட்டிஸ்" - பிடிக்க

மறுபக்கம் "க்ரீன் நோட்டிஸ்" - காசு கறக்க

இரண்டுக்கும் நடுவே " - இன்ரபோல் "