In an absolutely sensational claim, veteran Tamil leader Pazha Nedumaran on Monday claimed that LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still alive. LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran was declared dead 14 years ago by the Sri Lankan government. Adding more to the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran alive claims, the Tamil Nadu leader stated that the mastermind behind Rajiv Gandhi's assassination is alive and healthy. and he will soon make his public appearance. For the unversed, Prabhakaran founded the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and led an extensive guerrilla campaign for a Tamil state in the island nation (Sri Lanka). He was declared dead on May 18, 2009 following an operation by Sri Lankan army at Mullivaikal. The Lankan government was then led by Mahinda Rajapaksa as President. Nedumaran, the president of the World Tamils Confederation, told mediapersons at Thanjavur, "LTTE chief Prabhakaran is alive and will appear soon. We are happy to announce his plans for Tamil Eelam."
Explaining the timing of this shock announcement, Pazha Nedumaran further said that the fall of Rajapaksa government after the Sinhala uprising in Sri Lanka has created a good situation."The fall of the Rajapaksa government after the Sinhala uprising in Sri Lanka has created a conducive situation. This is the right time for his (Prabhakaran's) appearance," said Pazha Nedumaran.
"I would like to reveal some truths about LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran. I am happy to reveal a truth which would dispel doubts about Prabhakaran. We will like to tell all the Tamil people that LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is healthy and fine," Nedumaran said.
Pointing out that China is expanding its influence in Sri Lanka through investment schemes and projecting India as an enemy of Sri Lanka, he exhorted the Indian government to initiate necessary steps to prevent China from firming up its presence in the island nation. Nedumaran recalled when the LTTE was strong, they never allowed any country which was opposed to India to set foot in Sri Lanka.
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It is pertinent to mention here that the Sri Lankan government's announcement of Prabhakaran's death in 2009, several photographs of a body were shared. Many had then claimed these were doctored or fake images. Others had alleged that the LTTE leader was shot dead in violation of international conventions despite his offer to surrender under a pact. Prabhakaran was 54 at the time. Pazha Nedumaran did not share any details about the LTTE leader's present location.