What happened to Tamil Tigers?
Shortly after gaining independence, Sinhala was recognized as the sole official language of the nation. After a 26-year military campaign, the Sri Lankan Armed Forces militarily defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009, bringing the civil war to an end. An estimated 70,000 had been killed by 2007.
Is Tamil Eelam still alive?
Since 19 May 2009 Tamil Eelam has ceased to exist as a physical entity but remains as political aspiration among sections of the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora. Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam continues to claim that they represent the Sri Lankan Tamils.
Why were the Tamils of Sri Lanka angry?
Tamils of Sri Lanka were angry because their demands were repeatedly denied by the Sinhala community. Their demands were : To consider Tamil an official language too.
Why Rajiv Gandhi sent IPKF to Sri Lanka?
The main task of the IPKF was to disarm the different militant groups, not just the LTTE. It was to be quickly followed by the formation of an Interim Administrative Council. These were the tasks as per the terms of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, signed at the behest of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Who was the founder of the Tamil Tigers?
Founded in May 1976 by Velupillai Prabhakaran, it was involved in armed clashes against the Sri Lankan state forces and by the late 1980s was the dominant Tamil militant group in Sri Lanka.
Where did Sri Lanka fight the Tamil Tigers?
Over the course of the conflict, the Tamil Tigers frequently exchanged control of territory in the north-east with the Sri Lankan military, with the two sides engaging in intense military confrontations.
Who was assassinated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam?
The LTTE gained global notoriety for using women and children in combat and carrying out a number of high-profile assassinations, including former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993.
What kind of weapons did the Tamil Tigers use?
These consignments included RPGs, mortars, self-loading rifles, Type 81 assault rifle, T56 automatic rifles, pistols, hand grenades, ammunition, and communications sets. Moreover, millions of dollars were also passed on to the LTTE.