Tiger craft in dawn gloom firing at point blank range - surrounding the patrol boat - occasionally firing back.Numerous splashes, tracer fire. It was the first major sea battle of the 21st century - a savage affair - fought at point blank range - off the coast of northern Sri Lanka last year.This Government gunboat with its 14-man crew is still officially listed as missing in action.
But now their fate is no longer a mystery. As these pictures show - they were fatally mauled by Sea Tigers the maritime arm of the most sophisticated and successful guerrilla organisation in the world today - the LTTE - The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Shot-up patrol boat drifting in the dawn light.Sea Tiger craft approachSea Tigers board Navy vessel. For 19 years the Tigers have fought for an independent homeland for Sri Lankas ethnic Tamil minority.Theyve proved to be more than a match for Government forces - attempting to blockade rebel-held areas.
Camera does a circuit of Navy patrol boat as Tigers pull off guns and ammunition.Tracking shot past blood running over side of the ship. Body hanging over the side. Tigers transferring navy radio equipment to their boats. The Sea Tigers have destroyed a third of Sri Lankas navy - more than 40 vessels.With blood quite literally running off the decks - the Tigers board the stricken vessel - stripping off weapons and equipment. Navy patrol boat starts to sink in spectacular fashion - bows- up vertically out of the water. Hey friend! It looks like he is alive see whether he is alive look at this man (10) and look at this man the man at the end (13)The Tigers have also sunk Government hopes of gaining a decisive military victory.
Boat starts to slide under the waterTiger boat pulls away from sinking vessel - camera pulls back to reveal cheering Sea Tigers on deck. Now with a ceasefire declared and the two sides preparing to talk peace - the Tigers - permit a glimpse of one of their most effective weapons - the camera teams that go into battle and record these extraordinary images. The so-called Truth Tigers - warriors of the information age.
The heroes brought the moonlight to bring smiles to faces - to brighten faces - that were in darkness
(41:55)
Peace may finally be in the air - but the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam still sing of suffering and sacrifice.
Montage-cut of crossing front lines/singer/ drive through army checkpoint in Tamil Eelam
(T3 42:59) The black suicide tigers are like the sun that brought light to the suffering of the people
(43:08)
Montage-cut of tracking shots past ruins/faces/wreckage/skulls of victims in ammunition cases/people staring at camera. For the first time in nearly a decade it is possible to cross the front lines into Tiger territory - the self declared Tamil Eelam - homeland for 400 thousand ethnic Tamils.Who today eek out a living amid the ruins of a war that has claimed more than 65 thousand lives.
The fighters gave their lives as Gods, to carry the lamps to lighten the darkness of the people (42:16)
Upsot of morning Tiger Oath ceremony by female Truth Tigers(34:04) For the freedom of the Tamil nation - we must be faithful
Bright red Tiger flag is raised. From the very beginning the Tigers understood the power of propaganda - the need to win - and hold - the hearts and minds.
1.Our great revolutionary movement 2. has given us this mission 3.for the independence and freedom of our people..4.We have sacrificed our wealth, body, and thoughts.
And these women form part of the most powerful weapon in an already impressive armoury .
Members of the Niedharsanam unit - a Tamil word meaning reality and truth - they are the Truth Tigers
Tigers overrunning large deserted army artillery base in pre dawn - - shots of another Truth tiger filming abandoned artillery pieces amid large explosions in background.
The Truth Tigers are in the first wave of any attack - recording images of a war fought on a scale few outside Sri Lanka comprehend.
13,000 Tigers taking on - and often defeating - Sri Lankas modern army of 110 thousand - in huge set piece battles.
Tiger unit fighting a running battle along line of bunkers.Lots of firing both ways - running/confusion/commanders coaxing fighters forward - other Truth Tigers run in/out of shot recording close ups/ cutaways of action. Every unit of one hundred fighters is accompanied by 2 Truth Tigers - armed only with video cameras and suicidal bravery.In any war, truth is the first casualty - and in this conflict the first casualties are often the Truth Tigers - all the camera operators seen here died in these battles.
Over the past decade the 120-strong Truth Tiger unit has lost 51 killed and more than a hundred seriously wounded.
On the battlefield, amid the fighting, we dont think about death - we dont think about escaping - we get enthusiastic - you are so involved in the work filming - documenting what is happening (36:56)
21-year-old Nadhi is a Truth Tiger veteran.She was indifferent to the Tigers cause - until an indiscriminate air strike killed her relatives.
While I was returning from school - they were bombing and my cousins were killed in that incident - I saw this with my own eyes and many people died - and I thought I would die also (29:44)
Nadhi and other female Truth Tigers in the womens compound - walk out sit under trees talking - handling a betacam - comparing notes. Deciding it better to die fighting she joined the Tigers, aged only 14.Nadhi hasnt seen her mother in years this has been her family ever since.
The Truth Tigers womens unit which remains strictly segregated from the men except in battle.The role of honour a reminder that life here is about struggle, sacrifice and devotion to the so-called Elder Brother Tamil Tiger leader Vellupellai Pirabaharan.
(T4 34:01) We meet our elder brother very often (06). When I see our elder brother it is like seeing my mother - he loves us and treats us affectionately - so I dont feel so bad about missing my mother (34:25)
Truth Tigers instructor with 2 trainee camera operators filming an exercise of 30 Tiger fighters - moving - then firing with rifles/grenades/rockets. Of 19 Truth Tigers who filmed the last campaign 12 were killed in action - so there is a constant need for new recruits.Learning to see the battlefield through the viewfinder of a camera requires a special skill. Live ammunition is used in training - a reminder that mistakes can be fatal.
31:25) They are going to attack so do not stand behind here - because the back blast will get you - you stand to the side to film correctly - OK? (31:35)
(T7 36:49) We are looking for 2 aspects. One - the person has the potential, the courage to undertake this training. The second - to film the fighting beautifully with artistic talent (37:05)
More patrolling of trainees and firing of live ammunition/grenades/rockets Its not only battles that are filmed - every detail of the planning and preparation is also recorded.After the fighting - every order, every move is analysed. Its this attention to detail that makes the Tigers one of the most ruthlessly efficient guerrilla armies in the world.
Nadhi in edit booth supervising cut - viewing footageTilt down from posters to screen. Hidden away in a village are sophisticated video production facilities - crucial to getting the Tigers message out.The chaos, pain and panic of battle is edited out - the focus - on the relentless march to victory - atrocities committed by Government forces - and the heaped bodies of enemy dead
The videos produced here are sent to the half million mainly middle class Tamils now living in Europe, Australia and Canada - who secretly donate about $60 million US dollars a year to the cause - despite the Tigers being declared a terrorist organisation by many western countries.
The mastermind of this video campaign for Tamils abroad is the Tigers second in command Political Secretary Tamilselvan.
As far as we are concerned, our people overseas, they must have some relationship with us - they have to know about what is going on here - for example (32:54)
(QUESTION - ENGLISH) - But thats an important part, a critical part of your struggle has been to get the money to keep the whole thing going - to buy supplies and weapons - thats well documented? (36; 10)
(ANSWER - TAMIL) (T7 36:36) Thats not a priority of fundraising the contributions are not just for strengthening the arms (42) the people abroad are giving money not just for that (48) but also through Tamil organisations - for example - the Rehabilitation Organisation (52) - because the Sri Lankan Government blockades everything and the peoples lives are disrupted by this (36:59)
Villagers walking through headlightsFilm night in village. This is the other crucial element of the Truth Tigers work - recruiting and boosting morale in villages under their control.
Families gathering/buy snacks for the moviesTV in middle of village square. In a world without communication or entertainment - its not difficult pulling a crowd for a speech by Tiger leader Pirabaharan.
No other freedom fighters in the world have achieved the miracles of our movement (18; 57)
In the secretive world of the Tigers the Elder Brother cuts an Orwellian figure - omnipresent - yet invisible.Few ordinary Tamils have ever seen him in the flesh. In theory this is a nationalist movement leavened with Marxism - but in appearance it is more the cult of personality.Elder brother is the Tiger movement: saviour, enforcer, protector from a hostile world.
The main feature is always a war movie - a dose of reality TV - recording the heroic exploits of the Tigers. Playing tonight - Unceasing Waves 3.And this is the target audience
Various upsots of battle on video from Unceasing Waves 3
The Tigers insist that all recruits are now aged at least 17 - but the United Nations and Amnesty International claim children as young as 12 are still in the ranks.
(T5 35:19) Q. Tell me what do you think of the videos?A. We like the fighting (26) Q. You like the fighting? A. Yes Yes (35:35) Q. Why do you like the fighting? A. Because in the fighting between the army and the Tigers - the Tigers win (laughs) (42)
With the peace process underway - recruitment has officially stopped - but there are plenty of volunteers here - should the Tigers go back to war.
(T5 34:39) Q. And when you grow up will you join the Liberation Tigers?A. YesQ. When?A. Not now, When Im old enough (34:47)
Elephant Pass battle. Conditioned by a lifetime of propaganda, the next generation of recruits will discover that on the battlefield there is no glamour only the certainty of an early death, disfigurement or a life scarred by trauma. (04:15) Attack! Attack! Quick! The tank is going! (04; 23)
These scenes, filmed by Nadhi, in early 2000, recorded the turning point of the conflict the Battle for Elephant Pass.When the Tigers over-ran this - the armys biggest, most heavily fortified complex - the Sri Lankan Government finally realized there would be no military solution to this war.(04:47) Brother! Brother! Dont get in my way! (04:51)///(05:44) Come this side! Move!Filming alongside Nadhi was her best friend and camera partner - Yasoo.
(T2 05:30)we both came together to undertake military training and we stayed together and both of us went to fight together (39) so we were together from the first day (41)
(T2 05:56) Yasoo was a person who was anxious to do everything in life (00) If there is fighting - she was very keen to fight (05) and she was also very anxious to be there filming the action (06:11)
Nadhi and Yasoo filmed what they knew would never be included in the propaganda videos - jammed weapons, raw fear and confusion that clouds even the best-planned battle.
(T2 06:25) We both went to the Elephant Pass battle together - when the army was retreating - our boys were attacking the retreating enemy and we had to film them and document the battle to show to the world (06:40)
At one point the Sri Lankan soldiers were clearly visible only a couple of hundred metres away - exhausted in their retreat, they didnt even bother to take cover as the Tigers fired.
But then Army artillery shells slammed into the Tiger position. Yasoo - standing just metres from Nadhi - was killedFor an instant Nadhi continued filming as her friends body was carried off - then in shock she dropped the camera.
(T2 06; 57) When we were filming, she died beside me (07:02) /// (07:22) with my camera, I was able to document her death but it affected me somewhat. (31)
Whenever possible Nadhi ventures down this track to visit Yasoos family - To fulfil a promise made to Yasoo - who had a premonition of her death only days before the battle.
Nearly two years on, the shock has passed - but there is very little left to be said as Nadhi and Yasoos mother Parameswary share a silent grief.
(T2 43:02) The 2nd anniversary is coming up - are you doing anything for Yasoo?(43:04) We will do something(43:08) Are you doing it for both of them?(43:10) Yes for both of them
PRON JEYA- BARLAN Yasoos brother Jeyabalan also died fighting for the Tigers.They were the eldest of 9 children - in a family that has nothing to give but its offspring.
Like so many in the rebel-held area, theyve lived in squalor as refugees since fleeing anti-Tamil riots in the capital Colombo 20 years ago.Nadhis visits offer some rare comfort.
(T2 48:22) We are grieving, still grieving - we lost our two eldest children under these circumstances - they were fighting - and these children come to us to make us happy - seeing them is like seeing our lost children (48:49)
Clearing of minesCivilians at frontline crossing point walking past beware Mines signs.Soldier in bunker watching.
The ceasefire is finally offering some relief from intolerable conditions in Tiger territory.Minefields are being cleared and civilians are now permitted to cross the frontlines closely monitored by the Sri Lankan Army.
More civilians crossing over. Despite hardships imposed by the military and economic blockade theres still fierce support for the Tiger cause which the Armys Northern Commander attributes to the propaganda work of the Truth Tigers.
(09:23) Q. Is it a powerful weapon? A. It is definitely a powerful weapon - you have to accept it (09:27)
Soldier guarding satellite dish2 shot Yet incredibly, in this age of information warfare - it is a weapon the army has refused to use.Preferring to rely on old- fashioned censorship, communiqués - and keeping cameras off the battlefield.
(08:18) As far as the security forces are concerned, whenever we have successes of this nature we do not sort of video it - then propagate that. Because seeing lots of dead bodies is not a good sign so therefore we dont do it ///CUT/// we had lots of dead bodies of LTTE cadres - but we never use them for propaganda because it is detested by the population (08:42)
But there are some operations even the Truth Tigers dont film blatant acts of terrorism that are excluded from the propaganda videos.
In this 1996 attack on the Central Bank in Colombo by a Black Tiger suicide squad, 91 people died, 1,400 were wounded - nearly all of them civilians.
The Tigers have transformed suicide bombing into a science - Black Tigers have carried out 200 such bombings and political assassinations.
(T6 47:11) (ENGLISH) Q. By any definition you are also a terrorist organisation - you send suicide bombers against civilian targets - no matter what the Government has done to you - you send people against civilian targets in major cities (47:23)
A. (T6 48:31) (TAMIL) when they were attacking and destroying hundreds of people - we have to respond using certain strategies (41) and during that time - it is true that some of their civilians were affected - that we accept (48:48)
Taking responsibility for acts of terrorism isnt the only stumbling block to peace in Sri Lanka.
Tracking shots through bodies at Kilinochchi. If there is to be reconciliation - the issue of war crimes also needs to be confronted.This is another - albeit grisly task of the Truth Tigers - documenting the dead. In this war without rules or compassion - few prisoners are taken.
Nadhis unit recorded these pictures after the Tigers overran the Kilinochchi army camp in 98 - killing more than a thousand troops - there were no prisoners.
Earlier, when another military base at Mullativu was captured there were 1,500 dead - again no prisoners.The Tigers claim - somewhat implausibly that the army always fights to the last man. But the military has another explanation.
(10:42) A. I think the LTTE kills most security forces personnel - who even surrenders - as weve seen in the Mullativu operation - and maybe because of administrative problems that they may be adopting this system.Q. Administrative problems?A. Of the LTTEQ. So, sorry, just explain that?A. Yes, when you take a large number of POWs you have to administer them - and you have to have places to keep them - and you have to register them and show them to the ICRC - so thats the reason.
More bodies (Ex mini DV Kilinochchi) But many Tigers regard this as due retribution. Government massacres of Tamil civilians have been well documented - and captured Tigers are routinely tortured.
Nadhi showing capsule in two shot or cutaway shots. From (T4)
All Tigers carry a cyanide capsule - Nadhis placed around her neck by the Elder Brother himself - with orders to commit suicide when facing capture.
(T4 42:22) If it looks like we are going to be captured by the enemy on the battlefield - we then bite this capsule - and it will kill us - so as to protect our military secrets from the enemy - The secrets are more important than our lives Our elder brother the leader tied this to me Ive worn it ever since(42:53)
Uniformed tiger with machine gun and two way radio headset watching arriving journos. (09:37)Journos scramble for plastic chairs chaos etc.Pirabaharan arrivesCutaway of armed Tiger watching from the wings (20:33)Podium with official party as questions screamed etc. The Tigers have now launched another propaganda offensive this time aimed at the worlds media.Recently, the Truth Tigers organized a conference for 300 members of the international press. Displaying the trademark obsession with security - they methodically filmed everyone in attendance.Since the September 11 attacks in the United States the term terrorist has carried a powerful new connotation. It was the Americans declaration of war on global terrorism that finally pushed the Tigers towards the peace negotiation table.For the first time in nearly a decade Elder Brother Pirabaharan emerged from the shadows wearing a civilian suit of reconciliation instead of his usual Tiger stripe fatigues.But as a gesture it failed. This was a press conference of platitudes a media event long on symbolism but short on substance.
(16:46) When a permanent solution is reached we will not only bring an end to all forms of violence but seriously consider removing the cyanide pills from all our fighters
(16:58)
Nadir walking through cemetery If the war resumes - Nadhi fully expects to die - to one day lie here alongside her friend Yasoo.
This is just one of eight martyrs cemeteries in Tiger territory. Resting place for a total of 17 thousand fighters - mostly teenagers - who died a so- called victorious death.
(T3 08:43) When we were together - if there was a battle (51) she used to say to me - if I die a victorious death - will you come and visit my grave? (56) She used to say this - so I used to reply why should I come to your grave if you die a victorious death? (03) She would say that I was her life friend and I should come (08)
Nadhi preparing to pray beside grave Most Tigers are Hindu, and custom dictates they should be cremated - but Elder Brother Pirabaharan insists on burial - as a potent symbol of sacrifice.
(T3 16;00) Whenever we have the time we come. Anytime. Sometimes even at night. Well come here place flowers and go (16:12)
Nadhi praying/placing flowers/lighting incense etc.Close up of headstone of last Tiger to die in Feb 2002.Show empty graves And it is here that truth finally is revealed. For a Tigers real name is only announced upon death - painted on a headstone.A Tamil homeland or a victorious death was the call that sent many to an early grave here - but for peace to have any chance of succeeding that all-or-nothing demand will have to be moderated - and compromise has never been a trait of the Tigers.But already there are small signs of hope. Now for the first time, grass grows on the empty graves awaiting the next batch of martyrs.
But now their fate is no longer a mystery. As these pictures show - they were fatally mauled by Sea Tigers the maritime arm of the most sophisticated and successful guerrilla organisation in the world today - the LTTE - The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Shot-up patrol boat drifting in the dawn light.Sea Tiger craft approachSea Tigers board Navy vessel. For 19 years the Tigers have fought for an independent homeland for Sri Lankas ethnic Tamil minority.Theyve proved to be more than a match for Government forces - attempting to blockade rebel-held areas.
Camera does a circuit of Navy patrol boat as Tigers pull off guns and ammunition.Tracking shot past blood running over side of the ship. Body hanging over the side. Tigers transferring navy radio equipment to their boats. The Sea Tigers have destroyed a third of Sri Lankas navy - more than 40 vessels.With blood quite literally running off the decks - the Tigers board the stricken vessel - stripping off weapons and equipment. Navy patrol boat starts to sink in spectacular fashion - bows- up vertically out of the water. Hey friend! It looks like he is alive see whether he is alive look at this man (10) and look at this man the man at the end (13)The Tigers have also sunk Government hopes of gaining a decisive military victory.
Boat starts to slide under the waterTiger boat pulls away from sinking vessel - camera pulls back to reveal cheering Sea Tigers on deck. Now with a ceasefire declared and the two sides preparing to talk peace - the Tigers - permit a glimpse of one of their most effective weapons - the camera teams that go into battle and record these extraordinary images. The so-called Truth Tigers - warriors of the information age.
The heroes brought the moonlight to bring smiles to faces - to brighten faces - that were in darkness
(41:55)
Peace may finally be in the air - but the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam still sing of suffering and sacrifice.
Montage-cut of crossing front lines/singer/ drive through army checkpoint in Tamil Eelam
(T3 42:59) The black suicide tigers are like the sun that brought light to the suffering of the people
(43:08)
Montage-cut of tracking shots past ruins/faces/wreckage/skulls of victims in ammunition cases/people staring at camera. For the first time in nearly a decade it is possible to cross the front lines into Tiger territory - the self declared Tamil Eelam - homeland for 400 thousand ethnic Tamils.Who today eek out a living amid the ruins of a war that has claimed more than 65 thousand lives.
The fighters gave their lives as Gods, to carry the lamps to lighten the darkness of the people (42:16)
Upsot of morning Tiger Oath ceremony by female Truth Tigers(34:04) For the freedom of the Tamil nation - we must be faithful
Bright red Tiger flag is raised. From the very beginning the Tigers understood the power of propaganda - the need to win - and hold - the hearts and minds.
1.Our great revolutionary movement 2. has given us this mission 3.for the independence and freedom of our people..4.We have sacrificed our wealth, body, and thoughts.
And these women form part of the most powerful weapon in an already impressive armoury .
Members of the Niedharsanam unit - a Tamil word meaning reality and truth - they are the Truth Tigers
Tigers overrunning large deserted army artillery base in pre dawn - - shots of another Truth tiger filming abandoned artillery pieces amid large explosions in background.
The Truth Tigers are in the first wave of any attack - recording images of a war fought on a scale few outside Sri Lanka comprehend.
13,000 Tigers taking on - and often defeating - Sri Lankas modern army of 110 thousand - in huge set piece battles.
Tiger unit fighting a running battle along line of bunkers.Lots of firing both ways - running/confusion/commanders coaxing fighters forward - other Truth Tigers run in/out of shot recording close ups/ cutaways of action. Every unit of one hundred fighters is accompanied by 2 Truth Tigers - armed only with video cameras and suicidal bravery.In any war, truth is the first casualty - and in this conflict the first casualties are often the Truth Tigers - all the camera operators seen here died in these battles.
Over the past decade the 120-strong Truth Tiger unit has lost 51 killed and more than a hundred seriously wounded.
On the battlefield, amid the fighting, we dont think about death - we dont think about escaping - we get enthusiastic - you are so involved in the work filming - documenting what is happening (36:56)
21-year-old Nadhi is a Truth Tiger veteran.She was indifferent to the Tigers cause - until an indiscriminate air strike killed her relatives.
While I was returning from school - they were bombing and my cousins were killed in that incident - I saw this with my own eyes and many people died - and I thought I would die also (29:44)
Nadhi and other female Truth Tigers in the womens compound - walk out sit under trees talking - handling a betacam - comparing notes. Deciding it better to die fighting she joined the Tigers, aged only 14.Nadhi hasnt seen her mother in years this has been her family ever since.
The Truth Tigers womens unit which remains strictly segregated from the men except in battle.The role of honour a reminder that life here is about struggle, sacrifice and devotion to the so-called Elder Brother Tamil Tiger leader Vellupellai Pirabaharan.
(T4 34:01) We meet our elder brother very often (06). When I see our elder brother it is like seeing my mother - he loves us and treats us affectionately - so I dont feel so bad about missing my mother (34:25)
Truth Tigers instructor with 2 trainee camera operators filming an exercise of 30 Tiger fighters - moving - then firing with rifles/grenades/rockets. Of 19 Truth Tigers who filmed the last campaign 12 were killed in action - so there is a constant need for new recruits.Learning to see the battlefield through the viewfinder of a camera requires a special skill. Live ammunition is used in training - a reminder that mistakes can be fatal.
31:25) They are going to attack so do not stand behind here - because the back blast will get you - you stand to the side to film correctly - OK? (31:35)
(T7 36:49) We are looking for 2 aspects. One - the person has the potential, the courage to undertake this training. The second - to film the fighting beautifully with artistic talent (37:05)
More patrolling of trainees and firing of live ammunition/grenades/rockets Its not only battles that are filmed - every detail of the planning and preparation is also recorded.After the fighting - every order, every move is analysed. Its this attention to detail that makes the Tigers one of the most ruthlessly efficient guerrilla armies in the world.
Nadhi in edit booth supervising cut - viewing footageTilt down from posters to screen. Hidden away in a village are sophisticated video production facilities - crucial to getting the Tigers message out.The chaos, pain and panic of battle is edited out - the focus - on the relentless march to victory - atrocities committed by Government forces - and the heaped bodies of enemy dead
The videos produced here are sent to the half million mainly middle class Tamils now living in Europe, Australia and Canada - who secretly donate about $60 million US dollars a year to the cause - despite the Tigers being declared a terrorist organisation by many western countries.
The mastermind of this video campaign for Tamils abroad is the Tigers second in command Political Secretary Tamilselvan.
As far as we are concerned, our people overseas, they must have some relationship with us - they have to know about what is going on here - for example (32:54)
(QUESTION - ENGLISH) - But thats an important part, a critical part of your struggle has been to get the money to keep the whole thing going - to buy supplies and weapons - thats well documented? (36; 10)
(ANSWER - TAMIL) (T7 36:36) Thats not a priority of fundraising the contributions are not just for strengthening the arms (42) the people abroad are giving money not just for that (48) but also through Tamil organisations - for example - the Rehabilitation Organisation (52) - because the Sri Lankan Government blockades everything and the peoples lives are disrupted by this (36:59)
Villagers walking through headlightsFilm night in village. This is the other crucial element of the Truth Tigers work - recruiting and boosting morale in villages under their control.
Families gathering/buy snacks for the moviesTV in middle of village square. In a world without communication or entertainment - its not difficult pulling a crowd for a speech by Tiger leader Pirabaharan.
No other freedom fighters in the world have achieved the miracles of our movement (18; 57)
In the secretive world of the Tigers the Elder Brother cuts an Orwellian figure - omnipresent - yet invisible.Few ordinary Tamils have ever seen him in the flesh. In theory this is a nationalist movement leavened with Marxism - but in appearance it is more the cult of personality.Elder brother is the Tiger movement: saviour, enforcer, protector from a hostile world.
The main feature is always a war movie - a dose of reality TV - recording the heroic exploits of the Tigers. Playing tonight - Unceasing Waves 3.And this is the target audience
Various upsots of battle on video from Unceasing Waves 3
The Tigers insist that all recruits are now aged at least 17 - but the United Nations and Amnesty International claim children as young as 12 are still in the ranks.
(T5 35:19) Q. Tell me what do you think of the videos?A. We like the fighting (26) Q. You like the fighting? A. Yes Yes (35:35) Q. Why do you like the fighting? A. Because in the fighting between the army and the Tigers - the Tigers win (laughs) (42)
With the peace process underway - recruitment has officially stopped - but there are plenty of volunteers here - should the Tigers go back to war.
(T5 34:39) Q. And when you grow up will you join the Liberation Tigers?A. YesQ. When?A. Not now, When Im old enough (34:47)
Elephant Pass battle. Conditioned by a lifetime of propaganda, the next generation of recruits will discover that on the battlefield there is no glamour only the certainty of an early death, disfigurement or a life scarred by trauma. (04:15) Attack! Attack! Quick! The tank is going! (04; 23)
These scenes, filmed by Nadhi, in early 2000, recorded the turning point of the conflict the Battle for Elephant Pass.When the Tigers over-ran this - the armys biggest, most heavily fortified complex - the Sri Lankan Government finally realized there would be no military solution to this war.(04:47) Brother! Brother! Dont get in my way! (04:51)///(05:44) Come this side! Move!Filming alongside Nadhi was her best friend and camera partner - Yasoo.
(T2 05:30)we both came together to undertake military training and we stayed together and both of us went to fight together (39) so we were together from the first day (41)
(T2 05:56) Yasoo was a person who was anxious to do everything in life (00) If there is fighting - she was very keen to fight (05) and she was also very anxious to be there filming the action (06:11)
Nadhi and Yasoo filmed what they knew would never be included in the propaganda videos - jammed weapons, raw fear and confusion that clouds even the best-planned battle.
(T2 06:25) We both went to the Elephant Pass battle together - when the army was retreating - our boys were attacking the retreating enemy and we had to film them and document the battle to show to the world (06:40)
At one point the Sri Lankan soldiers were clearly visible only a couple of hundred metres away - exhausted in their retreat, they didnt even bother to take cover as the Tigers fired.
But then Army artillery shells slammed into the Tiger position. Yasoo - standing just metres from Nadhi - was killedFor an instant Nadhi continued filming as her friends body was carried off - then in shock she dropped the camera.
(T2 06; 57) When we were filming, she died beside me (07:02) /// (07:22) with my camera, I was able to document her death but it affected me somewhat. (31)
Whenever possible Nadhi ventures down this track to visit Yasoos family - To fulfil a promise made to Yasoo - who had a premonition of her death only days before the battle.
Nearly two years on, the shock has passed - but there is very little left to be said as Nadhi and Yasoos mother Parameswary share a silent grief.
(T2 43:02) The 2nd anniversary is coming up - are you doing anything for Yasoo?(43:04) We will do something(43:08) Are you doing it for both of them?(43:10) Yes for both of them
PRON JEYA- BARLAN Yasoos brother Jeyabalan also died fighting for the Tigers.They were the eldest of 9 children - in a family that has nothing to give but its offspring.
Like so many in the rebel-held area, theyve lived in squalor as refugees since fleeing anti-Tamil riots in the capital Colombo 20 years ago.Nadhis visits offer some rare comfort.
(T2 48:22) We are grieving, still grieving - we lost our two eldest children under these circumstances - they were fighting - and these children come to us to make us happy - seeing them is like seeing our lost children (48:49)
Clearing of minesCivilians at frontline crossing point walking past beware Mines signs.Soldier in bunker watching.
The ceasefire is finally offering some relief from intolerable conditions in Tiger territory.Minefields are being cleared and civilians are now permitted to cross the frontlines closely monitored by the Sri Lankan Army.
More civilians crossing over. Despite hardships imposed by the military and economic blockade theres still fierce support for the Tiger cause which the Armys Northern Commander attributes to the propaganda work of the Truth Tigers.
(09:23) Q. Is it a powerful weapon? A. It is definitely a powerful weapon - you have to accept it (09:27)
Soldier guarding satellite dish2 shot Yet incredibly, in this age of information warfare - it is a weapon the army has refused to use.Preferring to rely on old- fashioned censorship, communiqués - and keeping cameras off the battlefield.
(08:18) As far as the security forces are concerned, whenever we have successes of this nature we do not sort of video it - then propagate that. Because seeing lots of dead bodies is not a good sign so therefore we dont do it ///CUT/// we had lots of dead bodies of LTTE cadres - but we never use them for propaganda because it is detested by the population (08:42)
But there are some operations even the Truth Tigers dont film blatant acts of terrorism that are excluded from the propaganda videos.
In this 1996 attack on the Central Bank in Colombo by a Black Tiger suicide squad, 91 people died, 1,400 were wounded - nearly all of them civilians.
The Tigers have transformed suicide bombing into a science - Black Tigers have carried out 200 such bombings and political assassinations.
(T6 47:11) (ENGLISH) Q. By any definition you are also a terrorist organisation - you send suicide bombers against civilian targets - no matter what the Government has done to you - you send people against civilian targets in major cities (47:23)
A. (T6 48:31) (TAMIL) when they were attacking and destroying hundreds of people - we have to respond using certain strategies (41) and during that time - it is true that some of their civilians were affected - that we accept (48:48)
Taking responsibility for acts of terrorism isnt the only stumbling block to peace in Sri Lanka.
Tracking shots through bodies at Kilinochchi. If there is to be reconciliation - the issue of war crimes also needs to be confronted.This is another - albeit grisly task of the Truth Tigers - documenting the dead. In this war without rules or compassion - few prisoners are taken.
Nadhis unit recorded these pictures after the Tigers overran the Kilinochchi army camp in 98 - killing more than a thousand troops - there were no prisoners.
Earlier, when another military base at Mullativu was captured there were 1,500 dead - again no prisoners.The Tigers claim - somewhat implausibly that the army always fights to the last man. But the military has another explanation.
(10:42) A. I think the LTTE kills most security forces personnel - who even surrenders - as weve seen in the Mullativu operation - and maybe because of administrative problems that they may be adopting this system.Q. Administrative problems?A. Of the LTTEQ. So, sorry, just explain that?A. Yes, when you take a large number of POWs you have to administer them - and you have to have places to keep them - and you have to register them and show them to the ICRC - so thats the reason.
More bodies (Ex mini DV Kilinochchi) But many Tigers regard this as due retribution. Government massacres of Tamil civilians have been well documented - and captured Tigers are routinely tortured.
Nadhi showing capsule in two shot or cutaway shots. From (T4)
All Tigers carry a cyanide capsule - Nadhis placed around her neck by the Elder Brother himself - with orders to commit suicide when facing capture.
(T4 42:22) If it looks like we are going to be captured by the enemy on the battlefield - we then bite this capsule - and it will kill us - so as to protect our military secrets from the enemy - The secrets are more important than our lives Our elder brother the leader tied this to me Ive worn it ever since(42:53)
Uniformed tiger with machine gun and two way radio headset watching arriving journos. (09:37)Journos scramble for plastic chairs chaos etc.Pirabaharan arrivesCutaway of armed Tiger watching from the wings (20:33)Podium with official party as questions screamed etc. The Tigers have now launched another propaganda offensive this time aimed at the worlds media.Recently, the Truth Tigers organized a conference for 300 members of the international press. Displaying the trademark obsession with security - they methodically filmed everyone in attendance.Since the September 11 attacks in the United States the term terrorist has carried a powerful new connotation. It was the Americans declaration of war on global terrorism that finally pushed the Tigers towards the peace negotiation table.For the first time in nearly a decade Elder Brother Pirabaharan emerged from the shadows wearing a civilian suit of reconciliation instead of his usual Tiger stripe fatigues.But as a gesture it failed. This was a press conference of platitudes a media event long on symbolism but short on substance.
(16:46) When a permanent solution is reached we will not only bring an end to all forms of violence but seriously consider removing the cyanide pills from all our fighters
(16:58)
Nadir walking through cemetery If the war resumes - Nadhi fully expects to die - to one day lie here alongside her friend Yasoo.
This is just one of eight martyrs cemeteries in Tiger territory. Resting place for a total of 17 thousand fighters - mostly teenagers - who died a so- called victorious death.
(T3 08:43) When we were together - if there was a battle (51) she used to say to me - if I die a victorious death - will you come and visit my grave? (56) She used to say this - so I used to reply why should I come to your grave if you die a victorious death? (03) She would say that I was her life friend and I should come (08)
Nadhi preparing to pray beside grave Most Tigers are Hindu, and custom dictates they should be cremated - but Elder Brother Pirabaharan insists on burial - as a potent symbol of sacrifice.
(T3 16;00) Whenever we have the time we come. Anytime. Sometimes even at night. Well come here place flowers and go (16:12)
Nadhi praying/placing flowers/lighting incense etc.Close up of headstone of last Tiger to die in Feb 2002.Show empty graves And it is here that truth finally is revealed. For a Tigers real name is only announced upon death - painted on a headstone.A Tamil homeland or a victorious death was the call that sent many to an early grave here - but for peace to have any chance of succeeding that all-or-nothing demand will have to be moderated - and compromise has never been a trait of the Tigers.But already there are small signs of hope. Now for the first time, grass grows on the empty graves awaiting the next batch of martyrs.