posted February 26, 2005 08:02 AM         

"The chickens have come home to
roost” – Malcolm X

“The tigers were unwilling to even let Karuna loyalists seek safety elsewhere. Ex - tiger
cadres considered Karuna loyalists were killed mercilessly in many parts of the East
and Colombo. The most horrible massacre was in Kottawa. Eight persons including
Karunas treasurer Kuganesan and chief bodyguard Castro were drugged and then
massacred in cold blood as they lay in their beds and mats in a stupor. The tigers are
now shouting about the cowardly killing of Kausalyan. If one is to talk about cowardly
killings the Kottawa massacre has no equal” – Sunday Leader writer

Further more the Sunday Leader said, “What goes around comes around! When John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963
Black American leader Malcolm X observed that "the chickens have come home to
roost" implying that the US having exported political violence including assassinations
abroad was now faced with it domestically. Violence however is corrosively contagious
and some years later the very same Malcolm X was assassinated.”

”The specter of political violence has loomed large over Sri Lanka in many ways. One
of its most virulent manifestations has been in the Tamil community. The arms raised
proudly at one time in defiance of the "oppressive" Sinhala state later turned inward.
The militant groups engaged in internecine warfare that debilitated the Tamil polity.
Sadly this ecology of intra - Tamil violence continues to this date.”

”The latest such violence was in the East on Feb 7th when six people including tiger
political commissar for the East and a former Parliamentarian Chandranehru
Ariyanayagam were assassinated. The LTTE has accused "paramilitary" elements of
being responsible. It is widely believed that cadres belonging to the Karuna faction of
the LTTE were aided by some sections of the armed forces in this.”

”This singular focus on alleged security force involvement in the killings appears a
weak argument when offset against some ground realities. The LTTE has sought and
obtained helicopter transport for some of its senior cadres to move about in the North
- East. It also procured security force escort for several cadres traveling to and from
the Wanni to the East for Kausalyans funeral, The security forces also provided aerial
transport for tiger leaders to go to Trincomalee. It does seem incongruous that an
organization accusing security forces of being responsible for assassinating comrades
could request and utilise transport and protection from the same.”

“The unavailability of a helicopter
resulted in Thamilselvan being a conspicuous absentee at the funeral ceremony.”

Thamilselvan is one who has fine toned his survival skills over the years. His obvious
reluctance to risk a road journey in Eastern territory denotes the insecurity he
experiences in the East. The custom of sympathizers calling on the bereaved family to
express condolences was reversed because of the paranoid Thamilselvan.
Chandranehrus wife and son travelled up to "safe" Palugamam to meet Thamilselvan
who conveyed his sympathies. A photograph of the meeting showed Tamilselvan
having a firearm strapped to his waist. This again demonstrated the security
consciousness of the political commissar.

”Thamilselvans obsession with security also exposed the hollow emptiness of the LTTE
claim that all was quiet on the Eastern front after the Karuna revolt. It revealed clearly
the beleaguered feeling of top echelon tigers in the region. In a replay of the chickens
coming home to roost the predator had now become prey. The invincibility myth of the
LTTE has been badly undermined. There is no doubt that the tigers face a serious
threat from what may be termed the Karuna phenomenon.”

”The LTTE also talks of unarmed cadres being killed at a time of ceasefire in a
government controlled area as being reprehensible. Certainly that is true. Again the
tigers are the people who started this practice. Nearly 200 unarmed activists
belonging to groups like the EPDP, EPRLF and PLOTE were killed in Government
controlled areas including Colombo. Robert, Mohan, Varathan, Sinna Bala,
Bawan,Singham the list is exhaustive. A suicide killer was sent to assassinate a
cabinet minister Douglas Devananda. People who kept silent about this killing spree
have suddenly found their voices when LTTE gets a taste of their own medicine.”

”The killing of a political leader like Chandranehru has to be condemned firmly. There
is no doubt about that. His TULF and TNA colleagues have protested loudly. But then
what an exhibition of hypocrisy! A fellow candidate on the TNA list for Batticaloa
Rajan Sathiyamoorthy and his brother in law were gunned down in cold blood while
praying at the shrine room in their home. Later Sathiyamoorthy's buried corpse was
dug up and thrown elsewhere in a half burnt state. The LTTE defiled a person it killed
even after death.”

”Then take the case of another TNA ex - Parliamentarian Kingsley Rajanayagam. This
man who won an election was intimidated into resigning his seat. He was taken into
LTTE custody and "effectively" persuaded to resign his seat. Later he was brutally
assassinated to issue a warning to anyone desirous of joining Karunas political party.
The TNA that beats its breasts now kept silent when all this was happening.. This is
the lamentable state of Tamil politics today. The politics of terror is applicable both
externally and internally.”

”The LTTE while obtaining security force protection for its top notch leaders has also
been quietly sending additional cadres to the East over the past few weeks. A squad
of 35 men from Pottu Ammans dreaded intelligence wing is now in the East to help
discover the Kausalyan killers whereabouts and also places where Karuna faction
cadres are located. Two units of leopard commandos and Special Forces trained in
jungle warfare are also in Batticaloa now. 125 men are under Tharan and 75 under
Jegan. In a disturbing development it is also reported that assassins have been sent
to Europe to kill Karuna supporters engaged in propaganda through the Internet.”

posted February 26, 2005 08:52 AM         

The two writers you have presented Mr. Jayatilleka and Mr. D. Jayaraj agree that tsunami and the recent killings are having a negative influence on Mr.Karuna’s popularity. Your opinions and your attempts to cause further division among the Sri Lankan people are out of step with what most Sri Lankans want.

http://www.tamilweek.com/Redeem_East_New_LTTE_Political_Chief.html

LTTE attempts to redeem itself in the east

By D. B. S. Jeyaraj

Rasiah Ilanthiraiyan alias Marshall is the replacement for Kausalyan in the East.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam leader Velupillai Pirapakaran has selected
the affable native of Arumugathankudiyiruppu in the Eravoor area as his new
"arasiyal poruppalar" or political commissar for the Batticaloa - Amparai districts.
The formal announcement was made by tiger political chief Suppiah Paramu
Thamilselvan at a meeting of LTTE officials in Kokkatticholai held prior to his
departure from the region.

Adhering to a request made by the LTTE financial division head Thamilendhi the
new eastern political chief will be called by his real name Ilanthiraiyan hereafter
and not by his nom de guerre Marshall. Thamilendhi and senior LTTE leader in
charge of education Ilankumaran have been in the forefront of the move to
change names from English and Sanskritised Tamil to "pure" Thamil. While many
complied with this a a few like Marshall did not. With his elevation he too is now
ready to change.

Interestingly enough Marshall had no need to discover a new name/ Apparently
the name bestowed by his parents - Ilanthiraiyan - is a pure Tamil name. So he
has reverted to it now. Some in the LTTE have done so earlier. Political wing
head Thamilselvan and LTTE overseas branches administrator Manivannan are
two people going by their original "pure Tamil" names. Earlier they were called
Dinesh and Castro respectively.

Ilanthiraiyan was functioning as the LTTE's Batticaloa - Amparai headquarters
administrator prior to his new posting. An old boy of St. Michaels College,
Batticaloa Ilanthiraiyan was involved in Tamil nationalist student politics with
Ramalingam Paramadeva in the mid seventies. Later he was involved in the pro -
TULF Tamil youth league politics. Paramadeva later went on to become the first
LTTE military commander for Batticaloa but died in the attack on Kaluwanchikudy
police station in 1984. Ilanthiraiyan too was a member of the LTTE team that
attacked Kaluwanchikudi unsuccessfully in the maiden venture commanded by
Paramadeva.

Ilanthiraiyan joined the LTTE officially in 1983. Earlier he had been on the fringes
helping out wherever possible. Like the former tiger Eastern regional commander
Vinayagamoorthy Muraleetharan alias Karuna, Ilanthiraiyan too was recruited by
tiger veteran Sinnathurai alias "Father" who is now an LTTE "Judge" in
Palugamam. After receiving arms training in Salem, Tamil Nadu Ilanthiraiyan
returned to the East and participated in several operations. He also received
special training in communications. Ilanthiraiyan has also functioned as am
instructor in LTTE training camps.

Ilanthiraiyan too went along with Karuna and other Eastern cadres to the Wanni in
the late nineties to fight against the Sri Lankan army in operations "Jayasikurui"
and "Oyatha Alaigal". It was around this time that he was "noticed" specifically by
Pirapakaran. The tiger supremo was impressed by his quiet efficiency and got
Karuna to "second" Ilanthiraiyan for service in the Wanni after the fighting was
over. One of his plus points is his fluency in English and Sinhala and of course
Tamil.

The LTTE leader appointed Ilanthiraiyan as coordinator of the LTTE
administrative secretariat in the Wanni. He reported directly to Velupillai
Pirapakaran. This was the only "high" central authority post given to an Eastern
Tamil in the LTTE at that time. When Karuna revolted and charged the hierarchy
with discumination against easterners he pointed out that none of the 30 top posts
in the LTTE was manned by a Batticaloa. Karunas successor Ramesh tried to
counter this by pointing out Ilanthiraiyan and boasting that an Eastern Tamil was
in charge of the entire LTTE administration.

After the Karuna rebellion was contained Pirapakaran needed trusted and
capable men from the East to serve in the region. Marshall or Ilanthiraiyan was
one such person. He was sent back to a comparatively junior position as
coordinator of the Batticaloa - Amparai LTTE secretariat. He was closely
associated with the political commissar Kausalyan and the overall special
commander for Batticaloa - Amparai "Col" Bhanu in recent times. When Kausalyan
was assassinated it was Marshall who formally took possession of his body. Now
he has taken over the post held by Kausalyan too.

Though Ilanthiraiyan will be in charge of the political section he will have another
'senior" from the North to help him for a while. Sithamparapillai Sivakumar alias
Newton will also be in Batticaloa for an indefinite period and function as a special
political commissar. Newton has been serving in Batticaloa for several years in the
nineties and was generally well - liked. He was tipped to be sent to the East as
political commissar after the Karuna revolt. The decision was reconsidered
because it was felt that a son of the Eastern soil was politically appropriate.
Newton is from Karaveddy in the North.

It is possible that Newton could have formally succeeded Kausalyan but for the
regional factor again. After Ramesh's transfer to the Wanni another Northern
senior Bhanu was apponted Batticaloa - Amparai special commander. Having
another Northerner as political chief could have been problematic. earlier the
LTTE may not have bothered about these matters but after Karunas charge of
Northern hegemonism the movement has become more sensitive.

Newton will therefore play a secondary low - profile role to that of Ilanthiraiyan.
Both will work together but the limelight will be on Ilanthiraiyan. Newton may be
recalled to the Wanni after a specific period. Newton was a communications expert
who received special training under the Indian Government in 1984. His wireless
codesign was New Whiskey 84 . Newtons brother Sooriyakumar a medical doctor
was of yeoman service in the LTTE medical unit. He is now abroad for higher
education.

The new Eastern political commissar and his Northern associate will have a
formidable task to accomplish. They will have to restore the LTTE politically to its
original position in the East. The LTTE is learning slowly that militarism is not the
answer to every problem. The Karuna challenge can be met militarily up to a
certain extent only. Ultimately what counts is to win the hearts and minds of the
Eastern people not to go for their "b---s" as some would want the tigers to do.
Kausalyan had already commenced and done much good work in this sphere. It is
now up to Ilanthiraiyan to continue in his footsteps.

Though the loss of Kausalyan is a void his death along with those of others
including former Amparai district MP Chandranehru Ariyanayagam has aroused a
sympathy wave in the region. The assassination by Karunas followers of a widely
respected political figure has angered many people. It is also widely believed in
the East that the killing was done by Karunas loyalists in collaboration with a
section of the armed forces.

Interestingly there are two theories floating around in the East about the killings. In
Batticaloa district most people feel that Kausalyan was the real target of the killers
and that Chandranehru who provided him escort was caught in the crossfire. In
Amparai district where Chandranehru has more influence there is a viewpoint
gaining currency that the former MP and not Kausalyan was the real target.
According to this view the killers were targeting Chandranehrus vehicle to bump
him off without knowledge of Kausalyan being in it.

The mariner turned politico lost the last elections but had earned the peoples
affection after his defeat through selfless service to the community. His chief rival
Pathmanathan was elected as MP but was not very effective in discharging his
duties some feel. The recent tsunami disaster for instance brought out the best in
Nehru who endeared himself to the affected people through dedicated service.
There had been a move to pressure Pathmanathn into resigning his seat to pave
the way for Nehru to be MP again. As for the Karuna faction Nehru was seen as a
traitor and would not have liked this reemergence much.

The funeral for Kausalyan held at Thandiyady in the Western sector of
"Paduvaankarai" was another opportunity for the LTTE to revive its sagging
fortunes. The tigers are in effective control of only certain areas in Paduvankarai.
They face a Karuna threat in other places. The funeral was held in the LTTE
stronghold areas. These are also places inhabited chiefly by the social group to
which both Kausalyan and ex - special commander Ramesh belong. The crowds
at the funeral consisted chiefly of this segment.

The highlight of the funeral orations was that made by Ramesh. He broke down
when relating how Kausalyan had ate lunch with him in the Wanni at his home
prior to departing. The local population came to see and hear Ramesh because
much propaganda had been done in the past that Ramesh was held prisoner in
the Wanni. The truth however is that Ramesh was found wanting in meeting the
Karuna challenge militarily and transferred to the Wanni. He is now in charge of
the "eastern component" in the Wanni numbering more than a thousand cadres.

The LTTE also sent Karikalan, Nagesh and some other Eastern tigers in the
Wanni to attend the funeral. A high profile tiger contingent including its political
chief Thamilselvan, financial head Thamilendhi, Judiciary head Para , senior
member Balakumaran and others to attend the funeral. This made a tremendous
impact on the Batticaloa people. The awarding of "Maamanithar" honour to
Chandranehru also helped in this regard.

Balakumaran the former EROS leader enjoys considerable clout in Batticaloa. He
was at one time the manager of Eravur MPCS . Later the EROS had a strong
base in the East. Balakumaran used the Eastern trip to revive old contacts.
Former political Commissar Karikalan also met with a lot of Tamil people. He was
not allowed to speak at Kausalyans funeral for fear of alienating the Muslims. An
unexpectedly large number of Muslims turned up at the funeral. There had also
been hartals in Muslim areas for Kausalyan.

The LTTE also had around 500 to 600 armed cadres on duty at the funeral. This
was no doubt to impress the people as well as provide security. Many people were
surprised to see so many armed tigers as the general impression had been that
the LTTE was badly depleted after the Karuna revolt.. A show of such military
strength becomes necessary at times to project a positive image. Kausalyan's
caste group is the single largest social entity among Eastern Tamils. The
sympathy wave in that community on account of his death could help the LTTE.
Kausalyans successor Ilanthiraiyan belongs to that group but is of a different
matrilineal clan.

The promise held out by Karuna to the East is now diminishing. When Karuna
revolted this column predicted that Karuna at best could become another Afghan
warlord like Rostom and that at worst he would be reduced to another pro -
government armed group like those led in the past by EPRLF Razeek, PLOTE
Mohan or TELO Varathan. It appears that a Karuna group has now emerged in
the East to do the "dirty work".

The fact that Karuna and his faction are now functioning as running dogs of the
State is a bitter truth for the Eastern Tamils to digest. The killing of beloved sons
of the soil like Kausalyan and Chandranehru has brought that truth closer to
home. There is some revulsion over this killing. There was much sorrow of a
genuine nature. The funerals were well attended without any LTTE coercion. The
people also paid their respects at viewing places voluntarily. If the LTTE conducts
itself carefully it could build up on this basis. If it engages in a clenched fist
approach again the LTTE would be squandering a valuable opportunity again.

There are three immediate tasks facing the LTTE in the East. Good relations with
the Muslim community must be firmly reestablished; People supportive of Karuna
must be weaned away; Victims of Tsunami must be rehabilitated. The LTTE must
address itself to this task urgently and diligently. This cannot be done by brute
force but only through patient political work. Mere words are not enough. Only
actual deeds will work.

The continuing persecution and oppression of Muslims must cease. The terms of
the agreement entered into by the LTTE chief Pirapajaran and Muslim Congress
leader Rauff Hakeem on April 13th 2002 must be honoured abd implemented. The
Muslims must be treated with genuine respect and equality.

Likewise the LTTE must stop its conscription activity in the East. The unforgivable
offence of hunting down former tiger "minors" disbanded by Karuna must end.
The killing of those holding different political opinion should also end. The LTTE
must comply with provisions of the ceasefire and desist from committing acts of
violence against civilians.

posted February 26, 2005 10:53 AM         

Anyway, thats another story. I dont have time to write on that , once i am back, i will write in details.

While you supporting dividing Ceylon for Eelam, now you are talking to prevent division, whats the hypocrisy. Are you honestly want to stop the division of Ceylon or do you want to suppress the autonomy of Eastern tamils ?

Secondly, I am aware both of those writers share that veiw but what they think ALWAYS doesnt need to be my opinion.

You have not addressed any of the points of my last points, just red herrings and ad hominen comments.

You first write and condemn all the racial remarks against the eastern people by Anand A, Eastern tiger and Kandyan before you come to me to speak on UNITY,

Anyway, i agree its high time for tamils to unite against LTTE, thats the need of the hour!

Thanks! Long live the freedom struggle, vetri vel veri!

posted February 26, 2005 12:06 PM         

From now, i will give u two weeks to search the articles of Eastern Tiger, Anand A and Kandyan belitting Eastern people and to condemn them.

You have never done thus approving their comments, yet you have nerves to come up to me and speak on *unity*..

Your double standards are exposed dear bro, when jaffna extremists go crazy in the forums bashing poor eastern tamils who are victims, you guys ARE silent, and when some *eastern* guy REMINDS you of some HISTORICAL FACTS, some of your BODY PARTS start getting ITCHY

Thats normal, another jaffna extremists trying on false unity... I will be expecting your writings by another 2 weeks. Till then, you have fun

posted February 26, 2005 01:00 PM         

-Do not lecture to me on fine points of debating when you think you can run away by responding with a “So?”.

posted March 05, 2005 06:05 PM         

so coming up with a few webpages, getting the people who have traditionally been anti Tamil to write something, and then quoting them here is going to open my mind..?? You know what will change me, a trip home, and it did change me.. I think I'll trust my eyes, family and friends over people I have never met..

Seriously, when did Mr. Jeyaraj go back?? (a real question)

posted March 10, 2005 12:13 PM         

Take a look at some of One's articles for an example.

You are just throwing ad hominem comments to protect LTTE from critisism,

>so coming up with a few webpages, getting >the people who have traditionally been anti >Tamil to write something, and then quoting >them here is going to open my mind..??

Prove your claims Myna, Who are the sources i posted here are anti tamil ???? Jeyraj ? Rajan Hoole? Funny things, tamils themselves becoming anti tamils heh heh