‘We will always have the support of the people of Tamil Nadu’

In its latest edition ‘Ananda Vikadan’, an influential weekly from Tamil Nadu carried an exclusive interview with the head of the LTTE political wing, B Nadesan.

A translation of the interview follows:

What is the current situation in Sri Lanka?

The Sri Lankan government and the security forces have unleashed genocide on the people of Tamil Eelam in a never before seen scale.  Tamil homeland is being subjected to aerial bombardment and artillery fires. Tamils are being killed everyday. There is severe shortage of food and medicine here. Sri Lanka thinks it can destroy the liberation struggle by starving the Tamils. Over hundred thousand people have been displaced in recent times. Against all these odds, the LTTE is fiercely fighting for the liberation of the Tamils.

After the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, LTTE has lost India’s support for its struggle. Under these circumstances what form support are you expecting from the TamilNadu people?

Instead of describing it as the LTTE’s struggle its best described as Tamil people’s struggle. The people of Tamil Nadu have always supported our struggle. This should not be interpreted wrongly. There are strong historical, cultural and ethnic links between the peoples of Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam. We will always have the support of the people of Tamil Nadu.

The people who participated in our poll have opined their support for an independent Eelam. However, they are also of the opinion that action should be taken against Pirapaharan who is an accused in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. What are your thoughts on this?

I would like to convey appreciation to the Tamils who have expressed their views. The participants, who have expressed their support for our struggle, unfortunately have misconception about our leader. I can assure that these views will change in near future.

For how long will this struggle continue?

You cannot define timescales for liberation struggles. However, with the full support of the people we will soon win our freedom.

How is the international community viewing Sri Lanka and the LTTE?

The international community has a good understanding of Sri Lanka. Recently Sri Lanka was evicted from the UN Human Rights Council. Both the international community and human rights groups continue to voice their concern relating to the continuing human rights violations in Sri Lanka.

The international community also has a good understanding of our struggle. They recognise that ours is a legitimate struggle against oppression.

Has India’s policy towards Sri Lanka changed?

Sri Lanka’s diplomatic manoeuvres have always been detrimental to India. Sri Lanka continues to maintain historic links with forces against India. The foreign policies of Sinhala political parties have always been anti-Indian.

At present the war is moving towards a decisive phase. At this juncture, we are hopeful of a change in India’s policy towards Sri Lanka.