Gopalakrishnan Gokul Prem Kumar, a former cadre of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and talented artist, died last week under mysterious circumstances.
It is being reported that he died in a car accident just a few steps away from his home. The incident occurred late on Friday night in the Adampan area of Mannar-Mantai West Divisional Secretary Division.
While standing at the door of his house on Adampan Road, Prem was talking on the phone when a vehicle struck him. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain sketchy leading to suspicions of foul play. Witnesses reported hearing Prem shout that he had been hit by the vehicle before losing consciousness. Prem’s family rushed him to Adampan Hospital but he was transferred to the Mannar District General Hospital where he died.
According to sources Prem had overcome significant challenges in his life. As an amputee, he had lost both a leg and an arm during the armed conflict. His artistic talents and resilience made him a respected figure among his peers.
The tragic murder of poet Prem, who fought bravely for Tamil Eelam and lost one hand and one leg in the struggle, is deeply shocking. Prem played the lead role of an ex-combatant in the movie "Sinamkol." Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones. May his soul find RIP pic.twitter.com/fmxYn0KW9x
— Ranjith Joseph (@RanjithJos) July 6, 2024
