Thursday, July 3, 2008

Karuna returns as LTTE eyes the East

LTTE renegade Commander Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman returned to Sri Lanka this evening from London. His return was preceded by newspaper reports of the former LTTE 'Colonel' threatening to allegedly return to the ranks of the LTTE.

In Karuna's absence, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan alias Kubeiran became the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province, a post he said he would cede to his superior, Karuna upon his return. It will be interesting to see whether this pledge is actually carried through.

Informed sources told this site that Karuna's return has come at a time when LTTE's current 'Special Commander' to the East, Keerthi and his band of Jeyanthan Brigade cadres are planning to create havoc in the Eastern Province.

The Karuna group, which broke into two groups, became one after Karuna's arrest and detention. After Pillayan became Chief Minister, it became virtually impossible for TMVP cadres to engage in open combat with the growing LTTE units in the East. It is believed that Karuna's return might remedy this situation as the 'Karuna' group starts operating under the former 'Colonel' while the political arm of the TMVP functions under Pillayan.

Meanwhile, in the Western Flank, the 58 Division/Task Force 1 is just 2.5kms south of Veduthalthivu. The 57 Division is also nearing the sea base from the East and has only 3.5kms to go. Tigers have by now vacated much of its mini camps from south of Veduthalthivu.

46 comments:

LKDOOD said...

Dw

thanks for the update

LKDOOD said...

anybody who know tamil please tell me what this is

LINK

LKDOOD said...

sorry about the language

lol

Sam Perera said...

This was in the previous article. I felt it is more appropriate here.

"what will Mr Karuna do"

In fact, the question should be "what can we do to help Karuna?" Nevertheless, I can see a few things he will do upon his return.

(1) Enjoy the hospitality of the people in his homeland, Sri Lanka.

(2) Enjoy the VVIP protection to him and his family provided by the people of Sri Lanka.

(3) Enjoy the name and fame he left among Sri Lankans by standing up to Vezapillai and ZTTE.

(4) Choose what ever the peaceful political path he wants to pursue and get the overwhelming support from the patriotic masses.

In other words, Karuna is a very popular man in Sri Lanka for the stand he took for a united Sri Lanka. As a result, he will enjoy the support and affection from patriotic masses.

Sam Perera said...

Defencewire,

What stands on our way to absorb all TMVP to STF or something similar like Eastern National Guards of Sri Lanka?

wijayapala said...

Dear DW,

"After Pillayan became Chief Minister, it became virtually impossible for TMVP cadres to engage in open combat with the growing LTTE units in the East. It is believed that Karuna's return might remedy this situation as the 'Karuna' group starts operating under the former 'Colonel' while the political arm of the TMVP functions under Pillayan."

Why was it impossible for the TMVP to fight the LTTE in the East??

Sun Tzu's disciple said...

I wouldnt like to be in this fellows shoes.

He is like a useful piece of equipment but past its expiry.On the one hand LTTE will try to hunt him down, on the other hand Pillaiyans men will as likely bump him off to prevent any future challenge like the previous one which made Pillaiyan take refuge in Tricomalee.To complicate it there is no guarantee the Military Intelligence themselves wont get rid of him via a ' LTTE claymore' or such as he has become more a liability than asset now.
He will be arrested in any Western country & harassed and hounded by Tiger supporters elsewhere. He doesnt have armed camps and such like Devananda, nor a political post;He is in a truly pitiable condition now.

I am however doubtful of DWs contention that Pillaiyan would retain political leadership(as CM) and handover military command to Karuna, except in a symbolic sense--as it would effectively mean the end of Pillaiyans influence within TMVP & East( with Paramilitaries power truly flows from the barrel of the gun).
Lets wait and watch how the dice rolls.

Sam Perera said...

STD,

What ever the way dice rolls, we will never give up Karuna. He is not expired nor will expire as long as patriotic forces are in control. It was very well evident in the way he went UK. It will be very interesting to see how UPF government reunifies Karuna with TMVP in the way we created the aliance of Sri Lankans like Pillaiyan and Hisbulla. In all sincerity, we all can serve the country better if we unify for the benefit of the common man or woman.

Thambapanniya said...

Whatever Karuna do would link to his arrest... personally if I was him I would certainly be looking to avenge those who tipped him off

I dont trust Mr Kokilla and wonder if all this is an elaborate plan by VP if it is then it would probably be the greatest military plan of ever.. but yeh...

as sun tzu diciple said...

Lets wait and watch how the dice rolls...

Sam

I was reading on Razeek Group on wikipedia about how EPRLF was incoperated to in to Army and carried covert operations

http://lrrp.wordpress.com/2006/02/27/paramilitary-operatives-ultimate-victims-of-covert-warfare/

I think it would be the best options.. incoperate TMVP cadres in to SLA (but then there is security issue?

Sun Tzu's disciple said...

Sam,

I have no doubt many like you love him with good reason..

I am talking of higher echelons of power, where cold calculations of realpolitiks take precedence over emotions.This applies to any power structure, Govt or rebels.The Govt doesnt really have to kill him directly or mistreat him visibly--all it needs to do is to downgrade his security or leak crucial info--and LTTE or Pillaiyan would take over from there..

perein said...

wijayapala-
I keep raising the same question as you are from DW (Few times got mentioned in this blog). For some reason either DW team keep missing that out or getting ignored.
Simply do not undestand why TMVP trained units to join the Gov forces.

DefenceWire-
Is this question getting ignored intensionally?

Sam Perera said...

STD,

Helping Karuna in what ever the way he would like us to do so is a national security interest, not just my personal interest. It is that important. In the past, prophets of doom like Navindran predicted that government will discard Pillaiyan and Karuna after the East is cleared. Now you can see where Pillaiyan and TMVP are. Also, we saw how the government managed to appoint Pillaiyan for the CM post despite certain internal disputes in the party. The more we help TMVP and the people of the east, the more we gain as a nation. Currently, we have an administration and a military who are well aware of the importance of Karuna and not letting somebody else trash Karuna. If you can read, please check Dinamina today to find more details to see where things are heading. A good start may be to get Col. Karuna in to the parliment through the national list so that the people of the east have their share in the parliment. Nevertheless, it is of paramount importance of our nation to safeguard and help Karuna.

hemantha said...

Karuna had a Helicopter tour and met pillaiyan.
-Lakbima

http://www.lakbima.lk/articles/news2.htm

kuttu said...

war is coming to east

karuna will be fighting with the sinhalas

sinhalas looking to get veduthalthivu

how will the tigers fight will say a lot

war goes on & on......

TigerKiller said...

"A good start may be to get Col. Karuna in to the parliment through the national list so that the people of the east have their share in the parliment. Nevertheless, it is of paramount importance of our nation to safeguard and help Karuna.
"

Well Said Sam !!. This is exactly what should happen .

Moshe Dyan said...

we have already antogonised karuna enough. he is STILL a power to recon with, i think.

however, he is likely to have ALOT of problems with MANY political groups.

if and when he passes his use-by-date for the GOSL, he must be disposed of ASAP. this is the problem with all tamil political parties that had a violent past. a good example is EPRLF. one group went back to the LTTE/TNA.

LKDOOD said...

HRW: UK: Abusive Ex-Commander Allowed to Return to Sri Lanka

LINK

LKDOOD said...

Sri Lanka journalists demand protection

LINK

LKDOOD said...

‘SAARC co-operation key to eliminating regional terrorism’

LINK

Sam Perera said...

moshe dyan,

I agree with you on many things. However discarding people who helped us is not one of them. No matter what, we shall safeguard Karuna. Do we want to be another LTTE by killing the same people who helped us, especially wih their limbs and lives? That is morally wrong and will set a real bad example for other LTTE cadre who wants to leave LTTE. Mutual respect is the word. After all we all are sons of Mother Lanka.


God Bless Karuna, Pillaiyan and TMVP!

Cheers

LKDOOD said...

Sri Lanka to focus on maritime security

LINK

LKDOOD said...

Seized boats were sailing towards LTTE area

LINK

Moshe Dyan said...

TN complains about history of Eezham Tamils!!!

since mark-HAM (toronto) became the biggest LTTE den abroad elam became eez-HAM!!

even their Culture Columnist who was akalan a few months ago has now become Akazhaan!!!!

in this order there is no doubt VP should be vezapillai.

tamil elam or thamiz eezham? they don't know what they are fighting for!!

Moshe Dyan said...

sam,

you got a point. it will certainly damage the trust while they are with us. thereafter it may be a different story. anyway a legit army cannot do certain things.

yes, God Bless Karuna, Pillaiyan and TMVP and enlighten them to co-operate with GOSL and with eachother!

Unknown said...

Sam, nice to know that you think of me as a phrophet of doom. Anyway Karuna is like a football being kicked around. Pilliyan only survives thanks to the LTTE. NO LTTE, no Pilliyan.

For someone like you who does not want to contest elections, its funny to say that Karuna and his family should be given VVIP protection and live in fear his whole life.

Pilliyan is not giving up his gun trotting boys to help Karuna become the lord. Its like Mahindha returning power to the Bandas.

Hence in two ends Karuna is looking to be hung, one by Pilliyan and the ther by the LTTE. For the LTTE as much as it hates Karuna, its a sgnificant morale boost if Karuna rejoins them. Although Prabha will not trust him agian, it will demoralise the TVMP and also help the Jeyathan brigade in the east. However this is an unlikely scenario.

Maybe if you love Karuna so much, you can allow him to stay with you.

hemantha said...

Knowing his old boss really well Karuna wouldn't even dream of joining LTTE (at least until Prabha and Pottu are dead). He knows what has happened to Mahaththya. You never know, LTTE is so desperate they might even want him back. But being a smart fellow (that’s why he is still alive) Karuna will always doubt their intensions. That is the reason he is never ever going back to LTTE.

If he behaves Rajapakhas will take care of him (mark my word on this). If somebody is faithful to them Rajapaksas would never ever turn their back on him.

GoldenEagle said...

"I agree with you on many things. However discarding people who helped us is not one of them."

Well said Sam, I agree 100%.

Jambudipa said...

Karuna situation was not properly managed. He was given a bogus diplomatic passport and shifted to UK without making arrangements there. The govt probably hoped UK will give him asylum.

He cannot remain in the country. He must be taken abroad somewhere. This time hopefully the whole thing will be properly managed.

Unknown said...

If he behaves Rajapakhas will take care of him (mark my word on this). If somebody is faithful to them Rajapaksas would never ever turn their back on him.
:)
Yes, if DR.Mervin can get into parliament even with only 2000 votes by contesting & then comming from National List,then do all those Idiotic things & go around with thugs....
Karuna is a Voice to be heard & should be there to be a Voice for the Easterne Community.
:)

Unknown said...

My Post from a previous posting being echoed here.

http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/notes5/note453.html

Sam Perera said...

navindran,

Instead of rebuttal, I say today that you should try to learn ABCD of Sri Lankan politics instead of displying fake punditry. You should be able to buy a few clues from Nugegoda Market.

Moshe Dyan said...

su,

with you.

BUT when the rajapassas (and their arsselicking passas) lose, they will have to carry the baggages for supporting dr. vermin, etc.!!

may be karuna can survive even then or may be not.

very interesting to see what will happen to dr vermin when MR loses eventually. more interesting would be how he will treat MR if he manages to crossover again!!

hemantha said...

Some tigers come hidden under lion’s skin. They are the most dangerous. They would preach hate but nothing else. No depth analysis, lack of consistency would prevail with them. They would attack the humanity which binds the society together. They will try to spoil us internally aiming our demise.

Unknown said...

Sam, Its a defence blog, if you want me to buy something from your shop in Nugegoda Market, i am sorry. At the present Oil prices and cost of living increases, my stomach gets filled by watching each minster waltz pass in their luxury vehicles.

The longest running mega serial is the Sri lankan politics. Time and again to keep the audience (the people) entertained, they change the main actors but still run the same old story. So far the Villan has been consitence in his performance and hence been able to keep his role. The others like premedasa,CBK have left to bring in the 3 Amigos namely Mahindha, Gota and Basil.

Prabha has sent his children overseas on a tamil eelam scholarship. Mahindha has sent his son on a Sri Lankan scholarship. Unfortunately many Sri lankans are not capable to achieve such greatness as they are not born of such great parentage. I am ignorant of Sri Lankan politics, because anyone who understands it will only join in to expliot it or get killed because of it.

As you do not wish to honor the scarifices of the soldiers by be brave enough to enter politics so that ultimately if the war is won, a political solution is achievable and the soldiers as in many wars(particularly the disabled) do not get forgotten after the war.

However this is a blog where I have just learnt that if I go to
Nugegoda Market, i can get lesson 101 on politics.

Sun Tzu's disciple said...

"I am ignorant of Sri Lankan politics, because anyone who understands it will only join in to expliot it or get killed because of it."

Rhetorical statement, yet sums up the countrys present state really well I think.

***
"Knowing his old boss really well Karuna wouldn't even dream of joining LTTE" " .....If he behaves Rajapakhas will take care of him (mark my word on this)."
Above statement also sums up Karunas predicament really well. Whatever role is 'choosen' by him by whichever party, he will have to play it to their satisfaction ,or else..

Sam Perera said...

navindran,

"However this is a blog where I have just learnt that if I go to
Nugegoda Market, i can get lesson 101 on politics."

Just as usual, you have made some assumptions about my career and family. Then try to build up a baseless argument.

Given your competency or lack there of in SL politics as amply displayed in your postings, the type of clues you need are very cheap. Other external factors don't affect such low levels of clues. You can get a very good deal at Nugegoda Market. Enjoy!

LKDOOD said...

what is this(tamil article) ??

LINK

tangara said...

I personally believe Karuna Amman can play a bigger role in ending the conflict.

I hope he will not sabotage the situation in East.

Relations between Karuna and Pilliyan is not in good shape.

However LTTE stands as their common enemy.

TropicalStorm said...

Karuna is an indiscriminate killer, a terrorist and a recruiter of child-combatants. He belongs in one of two places; either is a prison for life, or a six-foot grave.

Defencewire said...

Sorry to barge in when some of you guys are on a roll. But here's the truth about the Karuna issue.

Karuna, by defection became the enemy's enemy, therefore a friend. but MI, which has a good record of handling traitors (That is what Karuna became to the 'Tamil Cause', though he is not responsible for the faultering cause for the cause became diluted due to actions beyond Karuna's control) decided it was time to 'divide and rule', which I think was the safest option available at the time. So the group split into two based on already existing faultlines. Karuna tried to kill Pillayan and Karuna's escape in a bogus passport got 'tipped-off' in London. Karuna was in the locker and the more predictable of the two leaders, Pillayan became CM. Troops under the organization, who were hitherto a deniable force (X-factor) who could virtually getaway with any murder became an undeniable force and lost its original quality as a counter insurgency paramilitary. Karuna comes back at a time when LTTE insurgency is attempting to expand in the East and with troops in the Karuna group operating mostly as political groups for they have now become the Chief Minister's 'people'.

Karuna operating with the STF- I would keep the two things separate. STF is the worst counter-insurgency force in the island now. Earlier , some of them had an 'understanding' with the Tigers in the East. How many times have they 'captured' kanjikudiaaru?

Kithul said...

59 division captures 'Michael Base' in Mullaitvu
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/04/asia/AS-Sri-Lanka-Civil-War.php

hemantha said...

"Troops of operating under Army 56 division in the Vavuniya battlefront reported to have killed 2 LTTE female cadres this afternoon
-defence.lk"

56 division?

wijayapala said...

DW,

"Karuna comes back at a time when LTTE insurgency is attempting to expand in the East and with troops in the Karuna group operating mostly as political groups for they have now become the Chief Minister's 'people'."

I still don't understand what you're saying- why MI played divide-and-rule. What if instead of going after the LTTE, Karuna goes after Pillayan for trying to kill him???

When did the Karuna-Pillayan beef start, and how???? They were both being gunned for by the LTTE!

"STF is the worst counter-insurgency force in the island now."

My understanding of counterinsurgency is that you need forces which can do more than kick down doors and fight in the jungle. The niche of the STF, as I understand it, is a mixed police-military role which can establish links with the local community (police role) while having the firepower to fight insurgents (military role).

I read in the newspapers that when SLFP goons were running riot during the Eastern elections, it was the STF and police who took action against them. It is an undeniable fact that whatever Pillayan's utility to the govt., he is a thug who may alienate the Tamils in the long run. There has to be some govt. force to check his abuses, and I can't think of anyone other than the STF/police.

The SLA's role should be to kill Tigers, not to act in police capacity. Was it you DW who argued that the Special Forces can't be accused of human rights violations, because they don't have proximity to the civilian population? If this is true, then what section of the security forces will take the crucial role of developing links with the local Tamil community??

Sam Perera said...

hemantha,

Per defencenet, 56th division is a defensive division in Kokeliya, Vauniya.

Defencewire said...

wijayapala,

You have quite a bit of catching up to do. Karuna would definitely go after Pillayan if not for the Army. Divide and rule prevents the entire group defecting back to the LTTE. LTTE leaders were infact frequently summoning Karuna leaders to rejoin. Now, even if some decide to return, which is highly unlikely, the spying between the two groups will at least keep the Army informed. This also answers your question of policing Pillayan the thug. Actually, Pillayan is now tamed in his political role more than he has ever been in his life.

Why did Karuna and Pillayan fight? Karuna is used to Prabha's management style, Pillayan thought he escaped that when he left Prabha. He was not ready to accept another Prabha. There were lots of other issues as well.

If holding UPFA goons in check is a qualification for STF, then we have no further comment. STF has gone in and out of Kanjukudiaaru without being able to kill a single Tiger. Even the civil defence force detects LTTE insurgents these days.

It was not we who said that SF can break HR. We cannot help you with that.

DW

hemantha said...

Sam,
Thanks.

About Us

We are a Non-Political Group of Defence Experts Sharing Our Knowledge For the Good Of Our Country. This is a Voluntary Effort. We Report to No-one But You.

Contact US

You can contact us by e-mail on defencewire@gmail.com and on defence_wire@yahoo.com.

Disclaimer

DefenceWire or its editors are not responsible for the opinions expressed by the contributors to this website.