Prabakaran: A Life of Struggle and Resilience
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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Vellupillai Prabhakaran was the founder and leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist militant organization that fought for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka. He is commonly known as "Pottu Amman" among his followers.

Birth and Death Dates

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Prabakaran was born on November 26, 1954 in Velvettithurai, a small fishing village in northern Sri Lanka. He died in action on May 18, 2009, during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Nationality and Profession(s)

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Prabakaran was a Sri Lankan Tamil nationalist who dedicated his life to the cause of Tamil independence. His profession varied from being a militant leader to a politician, as he sought to bring about change through armed struggle and eventually through peaceful means.

Early Life and Background

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Born into a humble family, Prabakaran's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. He grew up in a time of great turmoil, witnessing the ethnic tensions between Tamil and Sinhalese communities that would eventually escalate into full-blown conflict. His experiences as a young man shaped his worldview and fueled his determination to fight for Tamil rights.

As a teenager, Prabakaran became involved with radical Tamil nationalist groups, which exposed him to the ideology of Marxism-Leninism and the concept of armed struggle as a means to achieve independence. This was the catalyst for his journey into militancy, where he would eventually rise through the ranks to become one of the most feared and respected leaders in Sri Lankan history.

Major Accomplishments

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Prabakaran's leadership of the LTTE led to several significant accomplishments:

He established a well-organized and self-sufficient guerrilla army that held its own against the Sri Lankan military for nearly three decades.
Under his guidance, the LTTE developed a sophisticated system of governance, with its own administration, economy, and social services in areas under its control.
Prabakaran also played a key role in international diplomacy, engaging with world leaders and organizations to secure recognition and support for the Tamil cause.

Notable Works or Actions

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Some notable works and actions attributed to Prabakaran include:

The Black Tiger operation: In 1987, Prabakaran ordered his most trusted fighters, the Black Tigers, to carry out a series of high-profile attacks on key targets in Sri Lanka, including government buildings and military installations.
The capture of Jaffna: In 1996, LTTE forces, led by Prabakaran, captured the strategic city of Jaffna from government control, marking a significant victory for the Tamil separatist movement.

Impact and Legacy

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Prabakaran's impact on Sri Lankan history is undeniable. His leadership of the LTTE galvanized the Tamil community and inspired a generation of fighters to take up arms in pursuit of independence. While his methods were often criticized as extremist, Prabakaran remains a revered figure among many Tamils who see him as a champion of their rights and freedoms.

His legacy extends beyond Sri Lanka's borders as well. The LTTE's tactics and strategies have been studied by militant groups around the world, influencing the way non-state actors conduct warfare.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Prabakaran is widely quoted or remembered for several reasons:

His unwavering commitment to the Tamil cause: Throughout his life, Prabakaran remained steadfast in his dedication to the idea of an independent Tamil state.
His strategic leadership: He demonstrated a keen understanding of military strategy and tactics, often outmaneuvering his opponents on the battlefield.
His ability to inspire loyalty and devotion: Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges, Prabakaran maintained a strong sense of purpose among his followers, who saw him as a symbol of their struggle.