Elder Brother Prabhakaran was not opposed to Periyar or to his ideals of social justice.

On 23-01-2026, I delivered a speech at an event organized by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam at Sir Pitti Thyagaraya Hall, T. Nagar, Chennai. During my address, I explained that Tamil nationalism and the national liberation politics of Tamil Eelam encompass social liberation as an integral part of political liberation—this being the position of my elder brother, Velupillai Prabhakaran. I also highlighted his revolutionary, democratic, and progressive perspective on caste and religion.

I shared my experiences of meeting him in the Vanni region in 2002 and 2004. In particular, I recalled speaking about a “casteless Tamil Eelam” at the “Maanudathin Thamizh Koodal” event held in Jaffna in 2002, and later meeting him in Vanni. I noted that whenever caste-related issues arose in Tamil Eelam, the movement intervened and took action, and that he had clearly stated there was no place for caste sentiments within the movement.

My intention was to firmly assert that Brother Prabhakaran was not opposed to Periyar or his ideals of social justice, but rather opposed to the caste-based social order. I referred to his inter-caste marriage and the steps taken regarding caste-related issues solely to emphasize this stance. However, it is deeply regrettable that my speech has been misconstrued—not as stating that he opposed caste, but as implying that he punished someone for love.

I have absolutely no intention of casting any blemish upon his greatness or heroism. If any misunderstanding has arisen regarding Brother Prabhakaran—who once encouraged me by saying, “I am here, elder brother; you fight courageously there”—I sincerely and wholeheartedly regret it.

Yours,
Thol. Thirumavalavan