How Dravidian politics has evolved beyond the LTTE over 35 years

Since the IPKF's withdrawal from Sri Lanka in 1990, the once-powerful ideology and influence of LTTE in Tamil Nadu has faded, with minimal electoral impact

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LTTE sought to establish an independent Tamil state, Tamil Eelam, in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Aditi Phadnis

5 min read Last Updated : Mar 17 2025 | 12:09 AM IST

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On March 24, 1990, as the last batch of soldiers in the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) boarded the Indian naval troopship INS Magar at Trincomalee Harbour in SriLanka, they were informed of a change in plans. The then Prime Minister, V PSingh, would not be present to welcome them in Madras. Instead, they would board an IL-76 transport aircraft in Madras and fly to Palam in Delhi, where Singh would facilitate them before returning to Madras (now Chennai). The then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, had decided to ‘boycott’ the return of the IPKF.

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Topics : sri lanka India-Sri Lanka LTTE Tamil Nadu

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