GuardianDeities

The distribution/display of leaflets was not done overnight on a widespread scale. It seemed to have been done in a staggered manner with one locality being targeted at a time. Apparently there was not enough manpower in the leaflet distributing circles. Also it may have been a ruse to prevent security forces being alarmed.

The notices in Tamil were worded in emotional rhetoric appealing to the nationalist sentiments of the Tamil people. The people were requested to unite and support the resurgence of the “Kaaval Theivangal” or Guardian Deities. In earlier times the LTTE had often been described as the Kaaval Theivangal or guardian deities of the Tamil people as the organisation claimed to be the sentinels, protectors and liberators of the Tamil people.

The leaflets urged the Tamil people to express solidarity and surge forward to achieve the long desired goal of absolute freedom under the leadership of the LTTE euphemistically referred to as guardian deities. It was also stated that the international situation was now conducive and that the time was ripe for Tamil Eelam.

Initially when security circles became aware of such leaflets they were not overly concerned and did not view the leaflets too seriously. However routine inquiries were pursued. As investigations progressed more disturbing details were unearthed. According to knowledgeable circles preliminary information revealed the possible existence of an organized group seeking to resurrect the LTTE and re-launch the armed struggle. It also appeared that arms and ammunition were being hoarded and sympathisers were being recruited.

Further investigations resulted in the identification of a man who was suspected of being the mastermind behind this exercise. This was none other than thirty-one year old Ponniah Selvanayagam Kajeeban alias Gobi a.k.a.Kasiyan. This six-footer of medium complexion with a scar on his left upper lip is now living in the Tharmapuram area and functioning as a heavy vehicle driver. Kajeeban alias Gobi had been formerly an LTTE intelligence wing functionary under the dreaded Shanmugalingam Sivasangaran alias Pottu Ammaan. Kajeeban had surrendered at the end of the war and been accommodated at the Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Centre (PARC) at Poonthottam in Vavuniya. attempt is a success or not. What is necessary for the Tiger hierarchy in the Diaspora is an incident or series of incidents heralding the re-activation of the LTTE on what is termed as “Tamil Eelam” soil. Thereafter the overseas LTTE would derive much propaganda mileage and re-launch a huge fund raising drive saying “we are back”!

Gobi it seemed was the ideal cat’s-paw or Tiger’spaw in this cynical exercise. The security forces now aware of Gobi and his mission began a search for him. When they went to his residence, Gobi’s wife said her husband was not living with her and that she did not know where he was. Advertisements were then placed in media organs citing Gobi as a wanted person.

Even as the search for Gobi went on there were other developments too. Members of the Tamil public who were also worried about a Tiger re-activation began to provide informative tips to the security authorities. These were analysed and acted upon by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lankan Police.