Early Life and LTTE Involvement
Thamilselvan was born in 1967 in Chavakacheri, a town located in the northern Jaffna Peninsula of Sri Lanka. Growing up in a region marked by ethnic tensions and unrest, he developed an early awareness of the political and social issues affecting Tamil communities. In 1984, driven by a passion for activism and the quest for Tamil rights, he joined the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist militant organization that sought to establish an independent Tamil Eelam in the Northeastern part of Sri Lanka. His commitment to the cause was evident as he quickly became an integral member of the organization.
Rise Through the Ranks
Thamilselvan's journey within the LTTE saw him rise through the ranks swiftly. Initially tasked with various operational roles, he eventually became the personal bodyguard of the LTTE's enigmatic leader, Vellupillai Prabhakaran. This position not only reflected the trust placed in him by the leadership but also provided him with insights into the strategic and political maneuvers of the organization. During the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) intervention in the late 1980s, he was appointed as the area commander for Jaffna, where he oversaw crucial military operations.
Challenges and Political Transition
In 1993, Thamilselvan faced a turning point when he suffered a severe injury during the Punarin battle, resulting in permanent damage that left him with a limp and necessitated the use of a cane. This injury shifted the trajectory of his career within the LTTE. In 1994, recognizing the need for political leadership amid military challenges, he was appointed the LTTE’s political commissar. His role placed him at the forefront of the organization's international communications, making him a crucial representative during a period when the LTTE faced increasing scrutiny and designation as a terrorist organization by several countries.
Diplomatic Engagements
As the political landscape shifted, especially with Norway facilitating peace talks between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government, Thamilselvan’s profile grew further. Following the declining health of Anton Balasingham, the LTTE's then-international spokesman, he became a central figure in diplomatic efforts. He led the LTTE's delegation during peace discussions in Geneva, where he articulated the group’s concerns and aspirations while working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. His contributions were vital not just for the LTTE’s presence on the global stage but also in promoting dialogue amidst ongoing military engagements.
Enduring Military Responsibilities
Despite his increased political responsibilities, Thamilselvan did not completely distance himself from the military aspects of the LTTE. In 2007, he resumed military duties, becoming responsible for the defense of Pooneryn, a strategic location he was familiar with due to his earlier commands. He managed to balance these military duties with his political ones, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the LTTE’s cause, even as the long-standing conflict with the Sri Lankan government intensified leading up to the final stages of the civil war. Thamilselvan's life story reflects the complexities faced by individuals embroiled in protracted struggles, where personal sacrifices and political ambitions often intertwine.
The Events Leading to Death
On October 29, 2007, Thamilselvan spent three days on unspecified activities prior to his return to Kilinochchi, a town in Sri Lanka that served as the headquarters for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This region was critical to the LTTE's operations during the protracted civil conflict in Sri Lanka. Upon returning, Thamilselvan communicated with a contact before retreating to a fortified and camouflaged bunker where he intended to rest. The decision to take shelter in the bunker was a tactical one, aimed at minimizing the chances of detection by Sri Lankan military forces.
The Precision Strike
However, the situation was precarious, as the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) was employing advanced surveillance techniques, including the use of drones, to monitor LTTE activities. The bunker, despite its fortifications, was ultimately compromised. On November 2, 2007, a precision airstrike executed by the SLAF targeted Thamilselvan's location. The strike resulted in the deaths of Thamilselvan and five other senior members of the LTTE leadership. Among those killed were notable figures such as Muthukkumaru Soundarakrishnan, Dharmarajah Vijayakumar, and Karunanidhi Vasanthakumar, each holding significant ranks within the rebel organization.
Aftermath of the Strike
The airstrike used specialized weaponry known as Bunker Blaster bombs, specifically deployed by SLAF fighter jets such as the MiG-27 and Kfir. The precision of these bombs was designed to penetrate fortified structures effectively. The result was catastrophic; the bombs ignited stored fuel tanks within the bunker, leading to a structural collapse that sealed the fates of the occupants. This operation illustrated the increasingly lethal capabilities and expanding reach of the Sri Lankan Air Force during the civil war, as they sought to dismantle the top leadership of the LTTE.
Significance in the Civil Conflict
Thamilselvan’s death, along with his counterparts, marked a significant turning point in the Sri Lankan civil conflict. Their elimination was a blow to the LTTE's command structure and morale. The strike exemplified the culmination of intelligence gathering and air capabilities demonstrated by the Sri Lankan government forces. It underscored the challenges faced by the LTTE as they navigated an increasingly hostile military environment, ultimately contributing to their decline in the years that followed. The consequence of this airstrike not only altered the tactical landscape but also had profound implications for the ongoing conflict and the eventual outcome of the civil war in Sri Lanka.
After the prolonged and devastating Sri Lankan civil war, which culminated in May 2009 with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), many families were left to navigate a complicated and often harsh reality. Among them was Sasirekha, the widow of LTTE spokesperson Thamilselvan, who, along with her two children, was caught in the aftermath of the conflict. Surrendering to the government forces marked a moment of significant transition for them, as they shifted from the life tied to the tumultuous existence of the LTTE to one under the watchful eye of the government.
From May 2009 until May 2011, they were held in protective custody at a designated chalet within the Panagoda army cantonment. This arrangement was indicative of the conciliatory yet cautious stance the government adopted towards the families of former LTTE members following the end of the war. During their time in custody, Sasirekha and her children were permitted to maintain limited interactions with close relatives; these sessions were supervised to ensure security and monitoring of their well-being. This period served as a delicate balance of safeguarding them while also asserting the state's authority and control over the former combatants' families.
In May 2011, after two years of restricted custody, Sasirekha and her children were released under a specific order that imposed several limitations. The restrictions placed on their freedom reflected the underlying tensions that persisted in the post-war society in Sri Lanka, where former LTTE members and their families often faced stigma and scrutiny. The release was a significant step towards reintegration into civilian life but was fraught with challenges, as they were now tasked with rebuilding their lives amid the remnants of conflict and societal divisions. This experience highlighted the complexities that accompany the end of armed conflict and the subsequent reintegration of those who had once been part of the opposition.
Further Insights
For those interested in the complexities of military leadership within the context of the Sri Lankan civil conflict, D.B.S. Jeyaraj's article "Direct Hit" in Frontline provides a detailed analysis of the strategies and impacts associated with key military operations. Published on December 7, 2007, Jeyaraj delves into significant events that defined the conflict and explores the roles of various leaders within the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). His analysis not only offers insights into tactical decisions made during pivotal moments but also examines the broader implications of these actions on the Tamil population and the Sri Lankan state.
In addition, PK Balachandran's piece titled "Tamilselvan was a military leader: Lanka," which appeared in the Hindustan Times on November 4, 2007, further highlights the leadership of S. P. Tamilselvan, an influential figure in the LTTE. Balachandran's comprehensive portrayal of Tamilselvan illustrates how his leadership was not only instrumental in military strategies but also in the organization’s political maneuvers. The article provides context to his role during a time when the LTTE was navigating through various campaigns against the Sri Lankan government and adapting to shifting dynamics in international support and local sentiment.
Both articles contribute to a deeper understanding of the critical figures in the conflict and the evolving strategies employed by the LTTE. By examining these perspectives, readers can gain a more nuanced appreciation of the complexities surrounding military leadership and the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka during this tumultuous period. They reflect the broader historical narrative and help decode the factors that influenced the trajectory of the civil conflict, which had repercussions that were felt not just in Sri Lanka but in the broader South Asian region.