This time, from the early days of the war, the Sri Lankan army claimed victory. As a person who knew the LTTE, the Sri Lankan army and the area, were you expecting this kind of retreat from the LTTE?
As a matter of fact, I had been saying this since two years ago; that strategically the LTTE is poised to lose the war.
Why did you feel so?
Because of two issues. One: international attitudes have changed. It has been branded as a terrorist organisation. Despite that, the US agreed to a peace process. But the LTTE had not been sincere in following the peace process. The Sri Lankan government also did not follow the peace process later. LTTE chief Prabhakaran thus antagonised the international community.
When his hand was suspected in the killing of foreign minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, the international community was very annoyed. The EU (European Union) and Canada banned the LTTE. The Sri Lankan Diaspora in the EU and Canada were two important sources of money and material support for the organisation. The UK is another player.
Terrorism protocol has made it very difficult for LTTE to use international shipping and it was dependent on international shipping for men and material. The LTTE has not been able to overcome the international road blocks this time around. It did not reinvent itself.
The LTTE had not bothered to cultivate India. After Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, it could have followed a middle path because it still had some goodwill in India among some sections. The LTTE overestimated its influence in India, or thought it could bypass India. That was why it was dealing directly with the Sri Lankan government. It didn't bother about India.
It took India for granted. On the other hand, the Sri Lankan government bothered with India.
Do you think Prabhakaran would be hiding inside the jungles?
Of course, he is hiding.
Do you think the Sri Lankan army will capture him?
I don't think Prabhakaran will allow his capture. Either he will fight and die, or bite a capsule. Like Hitler did, he will die. I don't think there is a possibility of capturing him and handing him over to India!
Image: Velupillai Prabhakaran, leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Photograph: LTTE/Reuters.
Also see: 'Prabhakaran can't face the army, he will flee Lanka'
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