Global Terror Infrastructure and Implications for India continues...

Before the Army recovers from its initial shock, the regular cadres of the LTTE attack, making maximum use of the sacrifice by the Black Tigers. The Black Tigers, being the “Leading Force” of any military operation, have a romantic and hero attraction for the cadres.

Fourth, the success rate of the Black Tigers, because of the surprise element of their missions, makes them very popular. In most of the cases, except on a couple of rare occasions, the Black Tigers have succeeded in achieving their mission. Chandrika Kumaratunga was one of the few targets who luckily survived and escaped the Black Tigers assassination attempt. Their ability to penetrate the tough security not only in Colombo, but in other places also and carry out its mission, normally make the Black Tigers appear invincible in their mission. In case of Chandrika, the LTTE rationalized its failure by chanting that she “has to be lucky every time,” while the suicide bombers “have to lucky just once.” A sick mentality!

Fifth, the Black Tigers have an additional advantage—they can meet the leader of the LTTE, Prabhakaran, considered a demi-god. Since his public appearances are rare for security reasons, meeting Prabhakaran is a lifetime goal for many of the young cadres of the LTTE. Before the suicide mission, the Black Tigers have their “Last Supper” with the leader, which is considered a lifetime honour for its cadres.

Sixth, women cadres dominate Black Tigers. Nearly one-third of the Black Tigers are women. The presence of women in the suicide squad represents an assertion of gender equality that the ostensibly LTTE preaches, and attracts women especially those with grievances about their maltreatment at the hands of men or Sri Lankan soldiers.

Finally, since the LTTE does not have an articulated ideology that could impress and motivate its cadres, the Black Tigers, to a great extent, motivate the cadres by their action and sacrifice, much as a cinema idol, who is otherwise an illiterate or dim wit, does to motivates the youth in Tamil Nadu.

to be continued....