World

Beleaguered Tigers name new chief

by lalith | July 27, 2009 at 04:16 am

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By Sudha Ramachandran

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have a new chief. Its former head of arms procurement, Selvarasa Pathmanathan, has been named as successor to the slain Velupillai Prabhakaran, according to a statement issued by its Executive Committee.

Fifty-four-year old Pathmanathan, aka Kumaran Pathmanathan or "KP", was serving as the LTTE's chief of international relations before rising to the top post.

The Executive Committee has said he will lead the LTTE into the "next steps of the freedom struggle". The announcement comes a little over two months after Prabhakaran and his family - as well as the entire LTTE top brass - were killed by the Sri Lankan army.

Selecting Selvarasa Pathmanathan alias KP as the leader of the LTTE was on the cards. What should be remembered here is that being the leader of the LTTE, KP does not represent all Tamils of Sri Lanka. Most Tamils denounce the LTTE. Moreover, it is doubted whether the word 'Tigers' will be retained by the new organization.

There are so many Sri Lankan Tamil intellectuals all over the world and one wonders why this Internationally wanted criminal was selected to lead this organization.

Pathmanathan was a shadowy character. He went by several aliases and owned many passports. This and his contacts with police and officials helped him slip across borders with ease.

Pathmanathan's fortunes dipped in 2002, when reports of his mismanagement of LTTE funds and sexual improprieties reached Prabhakaran's ears. He was eased out of his position in the LTTE in the course of a restructuring the LTTE underwent following a 2002 ceasefire. But he continued to advise the Tigers on arms purchases.

In the recent past, Pathmanathan had given a TV interview to Channel 4 about his stance. How Channel 4 could interview a criminal wanted by Interpol and India and yet not get him arrested is something to ponder about. Some have even suggested large monetary gifts were given to Channel 4, by KP.

Someday, hopefully soon, when this criminal is apprehended, whether there would be world wide protests and even road closures is left to be seen.

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sathyajith

at 04:33 on July 27th, 2009

KP is the one who told VP is alive and he had contacted him (VP) through The phone.

I think this step was planed, Planed to take the leadership

sathyajith

at 04:34 on July 27th, 2009

January 31, 2009 at 05:20 am
Some changes within ltte. A new face and a new move too note! "any future peace initiatives" Bluffing or are they (ltte) showing their willingnes to peace talks?

Pathmanathan (dont no who he is but I think Williambaptist could give us the clearence regarding this matter) has got the mandate to act on behalf of ltte, but the Q is with or without to get the permission from Prabhakaran???

And he will be working "Abroad" ?? Can we expected big changes from ltte? big changes also regarding "Civilians Plight" ?

Selvarasa Padmanadan = K Padmanadan ?? Is this a Faked pic??

see larger image