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Semiotics of Terrorism: A 'Symbolic' Understanding of the LTTE

Understanding terrorism is not complete without comprehending its symbolisms. Terrorist or militant groups use various symbols to convey their ideologies and goals. These symbols are usually drawn from the cultures in which these groups operate in addition to reflecting developments of the time. The case of LTTE's insignia is worth looking at for a better understanding of the group.

The LTTE's symbol of the Tiger was created in 1977 by its chief Vellupillai Prabaharan with the help of Natarajan of Madurai as the "Tamileelam national insignia". The symbol depicts a yellow roaring tiger with its head and paws emerging from a black circle against a red background. Two crossed rifles with bayonets superimpose the circle designed like bullets, all black in colour. According to a guidebook brought out by the LTTE, yellow signifies the "Tamils' aspiration to freely govern themselves in their own homeland" and the "righteousness of Tamil struggle". In Tamil culture yellow represents something sacred. The colour red represents "egalitarianism" and "revolutionary changes necessary to spread social justice". Black reminds the Tamil community that its "march towards freedom is wrought with dangers, death and destruction." The roaring head and legs of the Tiger are said to represent "aggressiveness" while the rifle and bullet stand for the LTTE's "commitment towards violence".

Does this mean that all peace overtures and talks with the Sri Lankan state are eyewash? Does this then mean that the LTTE's commitment towards peaceful settlement of the dispute can only be taken seriously as and when it abandons its symbol? Since its inception the LTTE's political component has been subordinate to its military arm. During his interview to The Hindu on 5 September 1986, Prabhaharan said, "When we say . . . , 'They [the Sri Lankan state] will use the army to attack us, we will resist and counterattack and we will protect you,' well . . . only when we actually do it, do we establish our political credibility and role. That is why we have given due attention to military affairs in our organization. . . . Only a political organization with military strength is capable of effective resistance". Can one therefore, conclude that as and when the LTTE's political arm gains upper hand a negotiated settlement is possible?

In addition to yellow, red and black, the "Tamileelam national flag" has white that "demands purity, honesty and selflessness from the leaders and citizens of Tamileelam". The flag with the Tiger insignia was declared as the "national flag of Tamileelam" on "Great Heroes Day" in 1990 (27 November). The prescribed "code of the usage of Tamileelam national flag" stipulates that "all important ceremonies and events in the Tamil homeland are begun with the hoisting of the national flag accompanied by the singing of the song of veneration meant for it".

Rooted in Dravidian culture, the rationale for selecting the Tiger as insignia is explained in the LTTE organ Viduthalai Puligal in its February 1991 issue. It notes, "The Tiger symbol illustrates the martial history (Veera varalaru) and national upheaval of the Tamils. It signifies strength, valour and self-confidence of Tamils. It was under this symbol the Chola Kings led their campaign of conquest in the whole of South and Southeast Asia in 10th and 11th centuries AD. Tiger symbol echoes Tamil ethnic patriotic and courageous feelings. This symbol is deeply imprinted in the minds of the people. The soul of the nation is rejuvenated because of this symbol. Moreover, Tiger was chosen to recreate each and every member of the LTTE as a Tiger to fight with enough courage and agility". Apart from incorporating modern methods of organization, training and discipline, the LTTE wants to sustain this martial tradition through the symbol of the Tiger. The emphasis of Tamilness in this symbol has partly kept alive Sinhala suspicion of pan-Tamil statehood between 'Tamileelam' and Tamil Nadu. The 'Tiger' is also seen as contrast to the 'Lion', the traditional symbol of Sinhalese. It is no wonder that the 'Tiger' and the 'Lion' are considered as symbols of contending nationalisms in Sri Lanka.