Former LTTE head in Paris gains French nationality
R. Srikanthan in London
LONDON: The former head of LTTE International Secretariat Valummylum
Manoharan known as Mano has been granted French nationality status.
His application for nationality was pending for many years due to his
involvement with the LTTE.
Mano was involved with the LTTE since 1984 and was promoted as the
head of Tamil Co-ordinating Committee (TCC) following withdrawal of
Lawrence
Thilagar following the assassination of LTTE activist Nathan and
Kajan in La Chappale in Paris in 1996.
Mano was under intense investigation by the French police and
Interpol over his involvement in drug dealings for the LTTE. In the
early days, he associated with the infamous drug dealer Narikunthu
Kulumas to generate illegal income for the LTTE.
When Mano approached Kulumas for funds for the LTTE, Kulumas had
suggested to him ways of making quick money. Mano without realising
Kulumas was under surveillance fell foul to his quick buck venture.
When Kulumas was arrested in 1985, he confirmed to the police that he
had dealings with the LTTE. At that time Paris head of LTTE was Suresh
who later claimed asylum in Canada and came under intense media cover.
Suresh was operating under the name of David in Paris. When the
French police raided the TCC office five persons were arrested including
Mano but David escaped arrest when he produced documents to confirm he
is Suresh and not David.
David escaped to Holland with the help of Nathan who was later killed
in Le Chappale in July 1996 and from there, he migrated to Canada and
claimed asylum under the name of Suresh. Police had ample evidence that
Mano and David were dealing with Kulumas. They had recordings of
telephone conversations these two had with Kulumas.
Following Mano's arrest LTTE in Sri Lanka got into action and took
Kulumas parents into captivity. With this pressure Kulumas slowed down
from giving full co-operation to the French Police and a message was
given to the LTTE leadership through Kulumas's relative and his parents
were immediately released.
Mano was sentenced for five years for his part in the drug dealing.
However, he served a commuted sentence of one year as he was in
detention for some years prior to sentencing. Following his release he
had travel restrictions and he was not permitted to travel outside Paris
10 area.
With the ease of travel restrictions Mano went to Vanni to meet the
LTTE leadership on invitation in 2004. He was investigated by LTTE
intelligence Pottu's group and heavily knuckled for financial
mismanagement. He was relieved from his duties and asked to produce
evidence for the hole in the finances when returned to Paris.
Since his return Mano is maintaining a distance with the LTTE
leadership. |