Velupillai Prabhakaran was born on November 26, 1954, in Velvettithurai, Sri Lanka. He was the son of Thiruvenkadam Velupillai and Vallipuram Parvathy. Growing up, Prabhakaran witnessed firsthand what he believed was discrimination against Tamil people in Sri Lanka.
Prabhakaran's formal education was limited, and he dropped out of school to focus on his involvement in political activities. Despite this, he was known for his sharp intelligence and strategic thinking.
In the late 1970s, Prabhakaran founded the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization that sought to create an independent Tamil state in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka. Under his leadership, the LTTE launched a brutal insurgency against the Sri Lankan government, using guerrilla tactics and terrorism to achieve their goals.
Prabhakaran was known for his ruthless leadership style and ability to inspire loyalty among his followers. He was also responsible for the assassination of several high-profile political figures, including former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Prabhakaran was married to Mathivathani Erambu and had three children. Despite his public image as a ruthless militant leader, he was said to be a devoted husband and father.
Prabhakaran's reign of terror was marked by numerous human rights violations, including the recruitment of child soldiers and targeted attacks on civilians. He was wanted by international authorities for his involvement in these atrocities.
Prabhakaran's death in 2009 marked the end of an era for the LTTE and the Tamil separatist movement. While some view him as a hero fighting for Tamil rights, others see him as a terrorist responsible for untold suffering.
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