Pirabaharan with MGRIn this situation, there was a big question mark about Pirabaharan’s next move. Contrary to everyone’s expectation, the youthful leader of the armed movement and the terror of the Sinhalese armed forces, commenced a fast unto death on November 22, 1986. He said that he will not give up his fast unless and until the Tamil Nadu government hands back the communication equipment confiscated. His fast unto death caused shock among all and sundry. Having fully understood the firm determination of Pirabaharan, the Tamil Nadu government gave in and returned back the equipment. Reciprocating the gesture of the Tamil Nadu gopvernment, notably its Chief Minister M.G.Ramachandran, Pirabaharan ended his fast. Later at a press conference reporters asked a barrage of questions about his fast.
Reporter: " Since you have come out victorious in your non-violent campaign, why can't you adopt the same method of warfare even in Sri Lanka? What is the necessity for an armed struggle?"
Pirabaharan: "India is the only country in history which gained its independence through non-violent means. India understands the sacredness of non-violent struggle and hence victory for my non-violent Satyagraha. But Satyagraha will not work in racist Sri Lanka which is bereft of any humanism or sense of justice. Hence the armed struggle as the only alternative in Tamil Eelam."
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