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Killing of Mr. Nadarajah Raviraj, Tamil National Alliance MP Analysis by International Center for Strategic Defense
Friday, 17 November 2006 - 7:36 AM SL Time
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This particular assassination is not a work of a single individual. Therefore, it`s reasonable to focus on `stakeholder` groups, entities or parties. Not in sequential order of substance, entire range of stakeholders would be:
Military Intelligence Karuna Fraction or a proxy
LTTE or a LTTE proxy
Other Tamil militant groups such as EPDP or
EPRLF A militant Singhalese group
JVP A foreign Jackal or local underworld
Each of above entities was assessed in relation to possible direct involvements in the killing. Though not many, all related circumstances were considered. It appears that, for all except LTTE, main criteria seem to be how well any involvement is perceived by the Government of Mahinda Rajapakse (MR). Those entities which could be ruled out easily were considered first.
A foreign Jackal or local underworld Deceased individual has not had any serious involvements with notorious foreign or local underworld organizations. There was no circumstantial evidence to suggest that a foreign intelligence agency had any interest in this particular assassination.
Janatha Vimukthi Perumuna (JVP)
JVP had constantly maintained a political ideology, which was in direct discord with LTTE. This seems to be the main reason for any suspicions on JVP but Raviraj`s killing by JVP is an extremely remote possibility. The recent political move had undoubtedly made the JVP weaker and apparently they are seeking ways to re-align with Mahinda Rajapakse government. If they were found involved, their bargaining power in forthcoming negotiations would certainly be at stake, it`s publicity would be a political suicide. Also, there were no reported or even alleged instances of such sophisticated shooting by JVP since their failed insurrection in 1988. Some information has emerged that slain Raviraj has developed ties with JVP lately; however, ICSD could not find any evidence to substantiate the same.
A militant Singhalese group. One or two small hardliner Singhalese groups are believed to possess certain skills and expressed motives, which were in par with eliminating key individuals propagating LTTE in south. However, those capabilities cannot be assessed as compatible with the skills displayed in the killing. This refers not to the skill of handling a T-56 but the kills mustered in tactful & complicated withdrawal after firing over a magazine of rounds, circling around victim`s vehicle. Also, deliberate pumping of
several bullets with the intention of killing the Sinhala policemen could not be expected from such groups.
Military Intelligence (MI)
Raviraj was not in good books of MI; his residence had been used for vital intelligence gathering for the assassination of MI chief Col. Muthalib. However, this had not been a determinant factor.
With regard to the military strategy, Mahinda Rajapakse governmnt is different from all proceeding Governments, it`s a painful reality for certain sections to swallow. LTTE carefully timed it`s high profile, none combatant killings such as former foreign minister Lashman Kadiragamar and military intelligence chief Col. Muthalib, not to provoke the Government to retaliate by similar means and in a larger scale. But these 2 killings recorded the end of a long wait and it`s not a secret that present Government ordered or at least indifferent to suitable retaliatory measures. However, it`s absolutely impossible to believe that the present government ordered the assassination of Mr. Raviraj, in this manner and specially, at this time given the strong international cry for a low intensity military campaign or a total cessation of hostilities. Mahinda Rajapakse is highly in favor of a clean international (personal) image.
Further, the Secretary of Defense, hither to unknown personality has strong reasons to maintain `gentleman` status quo, being the own brother of the President, has not had any accusations connected to abuse of power. Prior to taking up of this position, he has lived in US over a decade; as a result, democracy & human rights have overshadowed his psychology, at times, considered excessive by his peers.
The possibility of MI conducting the assassination without being ordered / requested by the Mahinda Rajapakse or Secretary of Defense is arguably zero. Though each operation is not informed to highest levels, MI is functioning within strict environs set by Government; almost all exceptions were treated with suitable confidential disciplinary hearings, court of enquiries etc. Though a character assessment of two MI Regiment seniors has not been carried-out, ICSD is well aware that there`s no officer in MI who would take the risk of loosing entire military carrier and end up in locked cell for life, having commanded an unauthorized political assassination, specially a member of parliament.
Possibility of Mahinda Rajapakse or Secretary of Defense employing another killer group to carry out this high profile assassination is zero, besides the absence of a desire at this crucial hour, eventual leakage of operational details would amount to nothing but political suicide. Other than MI, there had not been any accusations of such groups being employed by Mahinda Rajapakse or Secretary of Defense, not even LTTE has leveled any accusations.
Other Tamil militant groups such as EPDP or EPRLF
The last assassination in a none combat area carried out supposedly by above groups had been that of Mr. D. Sivaram alias Tharaki, but it boomeranged resulting in severe setbacks, effectively nullifying the possibilities of delivering future attacks. For the foreseeable future, above groups would not try a high profile political assassination such as a TNA member, they too depend heavily on a good rapport with the present Government. Further, notwithstanding all other considerations, these groups are heavily infiltrated by LTTE moles. It`s unlikely that they could plan Raviraj`s killing without alerting LTTE and eventually Raviraj himself. Victim has not expressed any fear that he`s being targeted by above para military groups. Watchful eye & long arm of specific Police divisions which are, at times, operating on it`s own in apprehending culprits should also be mentioned, they pose an effective deterrent effect on all para military groups, especially in Colombo.
Karuna fraction or a proxy
Ex. LTTE Eastern leader Vinayagamoorthy Muralidharan, alias Karuna, would be the major `personal` beneficiary of the entire process of the de-merger of East from North. None other than he himself could try for political supremacy such as chief minister once the northern LTTE is removed from East. Unlike Pirabakaran, Karuna seems to be favoring a political position. For this goal, it`s imperative to maintain an intimate reputation with the Mahinda Rajapakse government. Slain Raviraj hailing from Chavakachcheri is not a `would be` contender for East nor his existence would check Karuna`s political motives in East.
Until escalation of recent hostilities, Karuna fraction had maintained few operating cells in Colombo & suburbs mainly for administrative purposes. There were reports of them engaging in targeted killings & abductions. These acts had drawn sharp criticisms internationally & locally, eventually forcing Mahinda Rajapakse government to intervene.
Another compelling factor had been the scarcity of trained cadres to defend their positions in East and in newly captured areas in Trincomalee south. ICSD is aware that Karuna fraction had withdrawn all cadres from Colombo operations and if this were carried out by them, it would be a very controversial `come back` risking vital administrative lifeline and safe heaven in Government controlled areas. Further, Karuna fraction is heavily focusing on the remaining areas controlled by northern LTTE in East and it`s unlikely that they could simultaneously muster sufficient resources for
planning, coordination & execution of such a high profile assassination. Though ICSD cannot rule out the possibility of Karuna fraction carrying out Raviraj assassination, the likelihood is considered as between low to zero.
LTTE or a LTTE proxy
Modus operandi is comparable to the assassination of MI chief Col. Muthalib. Geographically, two assassination sites are not far from each other. Difference being the abandonment of the weapon used, which make it comparable to leaving away the grenade launcher after assassinating former Minister Lakshaman Kadiragamar. Planning, coordination, execution, will of the killer, brutality, absence of claiming of responsibility were considered for comparison. Slight hitch appears with the hurry in publicizing the death, supposedly, before being officially declared by the Hospital director.
The critical question with those not willing to suspect LTTE is: `Would they kill Raviraj? He appeared for LTTE`.
Several years ago, especially after LTTE assassinated Rajiv Gandhi, a hypothesis emerged which read as `LTTE does not care losses`. Through personal interviews with ex-LTTE seniors, civilians and research studies, ICSD redefined or rather corrected above hypothesis: i.e. `LTTE does not care losses except for Pirabakaran, his wife, his son and his daughter`. An easily understandable reality emanating from this philosophy is Pirabakaran would not mind sparing anyone but himself and his family members.
Those who still carry doubts could consider the services Appapillai Amirthalingam rendered to LTTE which is greater than that of Raviraj. Amirthalingam & his wife, in declaring Vadukkodei Resolution, went to the extent of publicly expressing most brutal sentiments in support of LTTE. Further considerations could be assassinations of Neelam Thiruchelvam & Gopalaswami Mahendrarajah.
Therefore, for Pirabakaran, services rendered by Raviraj to LTTE are no hindrance in taking a decision over the life of latter.
Gains of losing Raviraj to LTTE:
a. Local & international criticisms on Government
b. Realization of the pressure of injecting UN or equivalent forces for administration of ceasefire & demarcation of territories.
c. Arousal of somewhat stagnating sympathy and enthusiasm of Tamil community through impressive funeral possessions.
(Example: placing pottu using deceased individuals blood / body fluids on wailing crowd. Given the psychology of Tamil community in the area, this could along be sufficient to recruit another suicide carder).
d. Opportunity to introduce another, more useful and yielding.
e. Obliterating effect on LTTE`s blood soaked history and justifying effect on future political killings to be carried-out by LTTE.
f. Excursion of further pressure on already weaker, inactive & overburdened Government international propaganda mechanism.
g. Substantiating the claim that LTTE cannot reply on democracy because democratically elected leaders are killed in broad daylight, only military options left in answering Tamil grievance.
Losses, if any, of losing Raviraj to LTTE:
a. Loss of one voice in the parliament & TV debates.
b Fear psychosis among remaining TNA members hampering future activities.
Quite obviously, gains overweigh the losses. In other words, this was an opportunity. There were few instances, if any, where LTTE missed opportunities.
ICSD,Colombo November 2006.
Note from the Research Unit of the Asian Tribune:
The Asian Tribune ran the following story on October 14, 2006: `Tamil National Alliance Jaffna district Parliamentarian N. Raviraj has disclosed that while even the LTTE leader Prabhakaran`s children live a comfortable life abroad, poor Tamil children have to wait in long queues all day without even going to school to get a piece of bread.
`This is the sad plight that has befallen thousands of children living in the country`s North. While children of bigwigs live a plush comfortable life on foreign soil, including the children of LTTE leader Prabhakaran,` he said.
`He also claimed that despite continuous assurances by the government, there has been a major food shortage in Jaffna since last month.
`Children are the worst affected. Apart from the shortage of food, they are unable to even go to school, because in a desperate search for food, parents send their children to stand in long queues to try and get even a loaf of bread for their survival,` he said.
Parliamentarian Raviraj committed a fatal error in commenting adversely on the life style of Prabhakaran and his children. James Burn of The New York Times wrote (June 25, 1995) that Prabhakaran (`The latest Pol Pot of Asia`) incarcerates Tamils who even dare to crack a joke against him. Dragging in his children who are educated abroad while the children of Jaffna are not provided even a slice of bread by his regime is an unpardonable crime committed against the Prabhakaran who is now glorified as the Tamil `Sun God`.
Prabhakaran`s regime does not tolerate dissent, potential Tamil rivals or adverse criticism directed specially against him. In his statement Raviraj posed a serious threat to his regime. If he allowed Raviraj to get away with it he would be opening a flood gate which he will not be able to control.
Besides, as the self-appointed `sole representative of the Tamils`, Prabhakaran expects hundred per cent loyalty from Tamils. He imprisoned his former colleague and founder member, Mahattaya, and finally executed him for dissenting. He has also not hesitated to eliminate any Tamil politician in the democratic stream whom he feared would be a threat to him.
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Dauntless
Joined: Jan 2006
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17 Nov 2006 03:59:03 GMT Report for Abuse
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Raviraj was a cool guy...though some sinhalese might've not liked him too much cos he was SEEN as ltte aligned majority like the fellow..
I remember the countless numbers of tv programmes he was in...
he was a guy that made the show happen and make it worthwhile...
I don't think...actually i'm 100% sure government didn't do this simply because they had nothing...absolutely nothing to gain from it :) |
Pera
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17 Nov 2006 04:00:34 GMT Report for Abuse
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LTTE does not care losses except for Pirabakaran, his wife, his son and his daughter'. An easily understandable reality emanating from this philosophy is Pirabakaran would not mind sparing anyone but himself and his family members.
God luck VP's bare foot licking LTTE lackies!
PERA |
magha
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17 Nov 2006 06:23:25 GMT Report for Abuse
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[[The Asian Tribune ran the following story on October 14, 2006: 'Tamil National Alliance Jaffna district Parliamentarian N. Raviraj has disclosed that while even the LTTE leader Prabhakaran's children live a comfortable life abroad, poor Tamil children have to wait in long queues all day without even going to school to get a piece of bread. ]
Raviraj who probably spoke his heart out saying the above had unfortunately signed his death sentence undermining the LTTE doctrine 'MAKE HAY WHILE SUN SHINES' |
donaldcleevel
Joined: Aug 2006
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17 Nov 2006 07:26:19 GMT Report for Abuse
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LTTE bootlickers are cold-blooded murderers, they have proven time and again they dont mind killing anybody to keep this war going.
Tamil people, wake up against this brutal killer 'Praba' before he annihilates the entire educated tamil-community. |
nirupam
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17 Nov 2006 10:31:40 GMT Report for Abuse
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The possibility of MI conducting the assassination without being ordered / requested by the Mahinda Rajapakse or Secretary of Defense is arguably zero
If MR wants to be clean he can give utmost importance to the investigation of the murder of MP Raviraj unlike other murders alleged to have been done by MI such as MP Pararajasingam, Sivaram, Kumar Pnnampalam, Nimalrajan, Sampath de Silva to name a few. Other TNA MP Pararajasingam was murdered 11 months ago in the SLA controlled HSZ and MR has not done anything hitherto to find the killers, does it not support the hypothesis?
Edited By - nirupam - 17 Nov 2006 10:49:08 GMT |
nirupam
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17 Nov 2006 10:43:54 GMT Report for Abuse
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Magha,
N. Raviraj has disclosed that while even the LTTE leader Prabhakaran's children live a comfortable life abroad, poor Tamil children
You descend to the lowest ebb of human decency by quoting this extremist medium that waited until MP Raviraj was killed to publish its fabrication. MP Raviraj never made this accusation because he was a man of high intellect and honest who never made innuendos to make his living.
If you also want to lie go ahead. But your reputation will suffer and nobody would believe you.
You must criticise the hypocrisies of leaders and to expose their dishonesty. But false accusations falls flat on the faces of the fabricators.
If you know of VP's children's whereabout in the West or outside SRi Lanka come out and publicise so that we all can check it out. But don't live on lies and innuendos.
Edited By - nirupam - 17 Nov 2006 10:45:43 GMT |
ThinKing
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17 Nov 2006 11:44:53 GMT Report for Abuse
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Nirupam,
If you know of VP's children's whereabout in the West or outside SRi Lanka come out and publicise so that we all can check it out. But don't live on lies and innuendos.
Do you think VP's children are still in Sri Lanka?
Incase if you want to check out...
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2006/10/8955.html
It is interesting to note that Mr Charles Anthony, son of the internationally hunted criminal Velupillai Prabhakaran is now a student at the University of Belfast. His entry was secured with the help of the IRA's Martin McGuinness as a 'confidence building measure' to contribute towards bringing peace to Sri Lanka! |
banmud
Joined: Oct 2006
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17 Nov 2006 17:01:54 GMT Report for Abuse
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YOGANRAM SAY:-
'Sri Lanka's the number one pariah state in asia.'
take a look around you fool. sri lanka is no south korea or iran. its not a beggar state full of tamil beggars drooling on the sidewalks like in south india..
the singhalese housenegroes who got power after the milkworm british left don't do a good job of running this country, I AGREE. but if the tamils ran this country it would be a kak-ka bucket like india.
the only tamil beggars here are the idiot upstarts in the north. the future shall prove us right. keep yapping. |
Foreigner
Joined: Nov 2006
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17 Nov 2006 18:17:11 GMT Report for Abuse
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Majority of the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka knew that Mr. Raviraj is actually a moderate and practical politician who was looking for a united Sri Lanka rather than a divided island. Many times he had openly said that.
However sometimes he was compelled by the circumstances to camouflage his words & deeds. Obviously for fear of LTTE. Everybody understood his situation and people sympathized him.
Any person with common sense can see that certainly the Sri Lanka Government, Military or any political party would not even think of harming the only moderate MP among that TNA-LTTE bunch.
On the other hand it is quite apparent that by silencing Mr. Raviraj, only LTTE is gaining advantages. These are:
1. No more occasional degrading or damaging remarks from the TNA ranks to LTTE or that Megalomaniac Prabhakaran.
2. No TNA mind ever to think of a united Sri Lanka other than a divided eelam.
3. To internationally discredit the Sri Lanka government.
By giving the highest eelam award to Mr. Raviraj after killing him, Megalomaniac Prabhakaran would have had a real laugh. |
Vagabond
Joined: Nov 2005
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17 Nov 2006 19:11:29 GMT Report for Abuse
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| I have never heard of 'International Center for Strategic Defense'. Could someone be kind enough to post any links on this orgaisation. |
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