Indian weekly raises doubt over Prabhakaran's death claims

Coimbatore, May 22 (ANI): A weekly magazine in Coimbatore has carried some photographs in its latest edition giving an impression that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam chief Vellupillai Prabhakaran is still alive.

The Tamil magazine Nakkeran, published from Coimbatore town of Tamil Nadu has published some photographs of Prabhakaran in which he is shown watching his photographs on television and other media reports in which the Sri Lankan government is claiming he is dead.

The article claims in the photos the Prabhakaran is sitting in his hideout. The write up has created quite a stir, making the magazine sell like hot cakes here.

The initial edition of magazine has already sold out and orders have been placed for more copies.

"At my shop, the magazine Nakkeran has already sold out 40-50 copies.

The issue of Prabhakaran's death is out of stock now and I have ordered 100 more copies from the agent," said Jayavardhanavelu, one shopkeeper.

The published article has put the readers in a quandary.

"Prabhakaran is shown alive in this magazine. We were in a fix earlier about his status. But after seeing this magazine we believe he is alive. The photographs shown earlier and the ones, which are shown, now are different. So now we confirm that he is alive," said Perumalsamy, a local resident.

News of Prabhakaran's death has sparked a controversy with the Sri Lankan Tamils terming it as a conspiracy and propaganda by the Sri Lankan government to prove their false strength against the LTTE.

Sri Lankan troops finished off the last of the LTTE resistance on Monday (May 18), wrapping up a three-year offensive to destroy the separatists and bring to end the 25-year-civil war.

Sri Lankan army commander Lt-Gen. Sarath Fonseka said troops on Monday morning had finished the task given to them by President Rajapaksa three years ago.

News of the Tiger chief's death came as Sri Lanka's state TV for the first time broadcast images of the body of his son and heir apparent, Charles Anthony, and other dead rebels.

He was killed overnight, the military said, along with a host of other top LTTE fighters and political cadres, including political chief B. Nadesan and spokesman Seevaratnam Puleedevan. (ANI)