BY : IMRAN AZMI HISTORY OF LTTE How could we forget the attack on on Sept 4, 2016, where Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ibrahim Ansar, who was attacked at the KL International Airport by locals who was believed to be doctrinated by LTTE ideology. But first, let us dive into what is actually LTTE.They are The Tamil Eelam Liberation Tiger (LTTE). They are one of the several guerrilla groups fighting against the Sri Lankan government to achieve independence in the north and east of the island, where most of its population is of Tamil descent. The people of northern Sri Lanka associated themselves more to India than to the southern Sri Lankan. Gradually the LTTE became increasingly popular among these groups and at the height of its power was able to expand its influence by establishing its own territory at north of the country. Despite the group being condemned for using child soldiers, suicide bombers and political assassinations, the LTTE managed to draw support from those who felt oppressed by the Singhala majority. In 2009, the LTTE was defeated by the Sri Lankan army and its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and many other leaders were killed, while others were arrested. Over 10,000 members were arrested. Statistically, the atrocities committed by the LTTE are appalling. Let’s dive into some of the events that made LTTE into spotlight of the world. ATROCITIES COMMITTED BY LTTE It is alleged that the Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers) committed war crimes during the Sri Lankan Civil War, particularly during the final months of the Eelam War IV in 2009. The alleged war crimes include attacks by both sides on civilians and civilian buildings; killings of soldiers and hostages by both sides; enforced disappearances supported by the Sri Lankan military and militia groups; extreme food, medication, and clean water shortages for civilians stuck in the war zone; and child recruitment by the Tamil Tigers. A group of experts commissioned to advise him on the matter of accountable violations of international human rights and humanitarian legislation at the final stages in the Civil War, by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, has found ' believable claims, ' which, if demonstrated by evidence, indicate that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed by the LTTE. Other than that LTTE gunmen had also carried out a number of successful Assassinations such as the late president of Sri Lanka, Ex-prime minister of India, Sri-Lankan presidential candidate, 10 leaders of both countries political party that voiced out against LTTE,7 Sri Lankan cabinet ministers, 37 Members of parliament, 6 members of provincial councils, 22 members of Sri Lankan dominant political parties and 17 political party organisers. It has also committed more than two hundreds of suicide attacks, and its fight against the government has claimed more than 70,000 lives. LTTE MOVEMENT IN MALAYSIA? It cannot be allowed to be nested in Malaysia. Groups found to be supporting the LTTE movement should not be revived by making Malaysia the site and base of operations.The issue of the LTTE's demand for independence in their homeland is their right, no question asked about that, but to be developed and fostered in Malaysia, it is unacceptable. Foreign-linked militant approaches threaten national security.The LTTE is an armed group that has been involved in offensive operations in Sri Lanka, including taking over mosques and sacrificing Muslims.There is a potential for violence. The approach taken by LTTE are a weapon based ,it does not align with our way of dealing with things. This separatist movement does not care about the safety of other minorities. Allowing it to move freely in Malaysia is dangerous. Over 30 countries consider the LTTE to be a terrorist organization. It is unlikely that Tamil ideology - foreign to Malaysia and many other countries - could be allowed to flourish here.
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