LTTE observes first death anniversary of Thamilchelvan

Colombo, Nov 3 (PTI) People in Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (L.T.T.E.)-controlled areas reportedly queued up to pay homage to slain former political head of Tamil Tigers S.P. Thamilchelvan, who was killed in Kilinochchi in November last year.

"Eezham Tamil diaspora as well as the war-affected
people in Wanni marked Sunday the first death anniversary of
Brigadier S.P. Thamilchelvan, who was assassinated along with
four members of the political division, in a Sri Lanka Air
Force targeted air-strike on his residential office in
Kilinochchi on November 2, 2007," the L.T.T.E. said.

B. Nadesan, successor of Thamichelvan, said "he had
sacrificed his life for the cause of Tamil people."

Meanwhile, the pro-L.T.T.E. website 'Tamilnet' said
functions were also held in France to observe the first death
anniversary of Thamilchelvan.

"The anniversary commemoration event of Brigadier S.P.
Thamilchelvan was held at the La Courneuve Municipal town
hall," it said quoting sources in Paris and added that similar
events were held in almost all the cities of Tamil diaspora.

In Paris, a sapling of Cedre de Liban tree which has a
life of more than 2000 years was planted in memory of
Thamilchelvan in the town of La Courneuve, where nearly 3000
Tamils live, the Tamilnet said.

"Councillor Russel speaking at the event pointed to
the always smiling face of Tamilchelvan, and his dedicated
service to the Tamil struggle," the website said.

Thamilselvan has long headed the so-called 'political
wing' of the militant organisation and represented the
L.T.T.E. in negotiations with the Government on several
occasions. Before taking on a 'political' role, Thamilselvan
was an important "military" figure in the L.T.T.E., especially
during the period when the Indian Peace Keeping Force was in
Sri Lanka. PTI TVS