Butchers of Sopore and Birmingham

Nine years of calm before icy storm

Kashmir turns crimson with blood of Pandits

AN UN-ISLAMIC KIDNAPPING AND CHAOS IN THE VALLEY

The illusion of azaadi and Kashmir’s historic deception

How Pak's terror policy evolved in Kashmir

Birth of social media jihadists, death of Article-370

Operation Sindoor: When Indian missiles rained on Pak terror parade

<div class='ite_mg_banner ads__container'><div class='it_mg_bnrBox'><div class='ite_bnr_cont'><div class='ite_cont_dtl'> <h4>Mood of the Nation Offer:  Use promo code <span class='bold_text'> MOTN2026 </span> to get<span class='bold_text'> ₹500 off</span> on all Print + Digital subscriptions</h4><a href='https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubscriptions.intoday.in%2Findiatoday%3Futm_source%3Dtop-web-banner ' class='ite_subscribe_btn origin_conscent_url' target='_blank'>SUBSCRIBE</a></div></div></div></div>

US Election coverage

India

World

NewsMo

Fact Check

Programmes

Match Schedule

Teams

Player Stats

Match Report

LIVE SCORES

<div class="itg-mosimage"><amp-img src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1998May%2Fa%2520demanding-1_082712012733.jpg" alt="" height="425" width="650" class="" layout="responsive"></amp-img><p>He is an unusual customer for the fish-mongers of Ajmer. The dark, heavily built, middle-aged Tamil is conspicuous in the crowded fish market not only because there are very few south Indians in the city, but also because he is always accompanied by a posse of stern-looking CRPF men in civvies. They know he is someone important and hard to please, being a fish connoisseur. But they do not mind his visits.<br><br>His escorts, however, do. For, Varadraja Perumal, one of the few surviving leaders of Sri Lanka's Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF), has been living in exile in India for the past eight years. High on the hit list of the LTTE, he is provided Z-plus category security by the Indian Government.</p><p>"Adventures" such as visits to the fish market are frowned upon by his security people, who feel that such jobs should be left to his staff. But he protests: "This is unfair. After all only I know about my taste. Tomorrow, they may not even let me buy a pen for myself." Possibly not, if the Rajasthan Government can have its way. He is one guest the state would gladly do without.<br><br>Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has written to the Centre four times in the past few months, requesting that he be removed from the state, but has drawn no response. "Perumal's had to be a secret presence, which is no longer the case, and so we cannot guarantee his security," says an aide of the chief minister.<br><br>Perumal, on the other hand, is quite at home in Ajmer, where he has been living since 1992 with his wife and three daughters. Elected chief minister of North Eastern Province of Sri Lanka in 1987 in elections held under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, the 45-year-old Perumal played a crucial role in finalising the accord and bringing together political and democratic forces in the country. </p><p>But when the pact fell through, the Indian government provided him a home and a high-level security that is reserved for important politicians such as L.K. Advani, Buta Singh and Rajesh Pilot.</p><div class="itg-mosimage"><amp-img src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1998May%2Fa%2520demanding-2_082712012733.jpg" alt="" height="425" width="650" class="" layout="responsive"></amp-img>Varadraja Perumal (with daughters), played a key role in finalising the Indo-Lanka Accord</div></p><p>The EPRLF leader and his family are provided a company of CRPF and 20 local police personnel, including women, in addition to members of the Central intelligence agencies for security. His perks include a palatial bungalow, a dozen-odd domestic staff, including a liaison officer, cooks and servants, and two vehicles.</p><p>The Centre also gives him Rs 6 lakh a year for personal expenditure and overheads, such as fuel and maintenance of vehicles. The annual Central expenditure on this friendly neighbourhood guest is Rs 1.8 crore. </p><p>The overall incharge of Perumal's security, however, is the local superintendent of police, who works under a DIG's directions. In case of any mishap involving the family, the state Government will be held responsible and that's what is worrying the chief minister.<br><br>In 1990, Perumal and his family were put up at a <i>haveli</i> in Madhya Pradesh that belonged to the Scindias. But on his request for a place that offered better educational facilities for his daughters, the Centre allowed his family to shift to Ajmer in September 1992. Though the state Government had initially agreed to let him stay in the city, it now wants him moved out. </p><div class="itemcenter"><amp-iframe height="62" title="" width="320" sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" allowfullscreen src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Findiatoday%2Fbanner%2Fpreferred-source-new.html%3Fv%3D1.014%5Cu0026native%3D1" class="mrBt15 preferred-source-banner"> </amp-iframe></div></p><p>And not without reason. During the early years of political exile, Perumal was advised by the then V. P. Singh government to maintain a low profile and complete silence. He religiously adhered to this ad-vice, keeping away from any controversy and maintaining a distance from even local politicians.<br><br>Lately, however, Perumal has come out of his shell and seems keen to get back into action - the non-violent way. He says, "I will end my political vanvas (exile) this year. We have lost everything to violence and it is only <i>ahimsa</i> that will revive us." </p><p>The EPRLF had been a non-militant organisation except for about five years before the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord when it took to arms. He calls that a fatal mistake. His efforts at staging a comeback in Sri Lankan politics are well-timed as the tenure of incumbent President Chandrika Kumaratunga, whom he describes as the finest elected leader in Sri Lanka, ends next year.<br><br>The change in tack is obvious. For the first time since his arrival in India, Perumal is seeking a review of the political restrictions imposed on him. He told INDIA TODAY: "I want the Government of India to review its stand on me and understand that I can use my political rights even in India." He, however, takes care to add hastily that he would never do or say anything to embarrass the Indian and Sri Lankan governments.<br></p><table><tbody><tr><td><b>Some of Perumal's activities, like purchasing land near Ajmer and using government vehicles for farm work, has not gone down well with the state administration.</b><br></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Perumal also claims that the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government understands the EPRLF well. "I hope Vajpayeeji will perceive my role the same way as Rajiv Gandhi did," he says. "Expression of my political opinion is not a matter of relationship between the two countries, it is the right of an individual." </p><p>But that is a right the state Government is unwilling to grant him because it is fraught with danger. Whatever the pitfalls, living in total isolation is perhaps too much to expect from a high-profile leader like him. Over the years, he has made many friends. </p><p>His daughters, aged 13, 16 and 18 years, have their own lives in Ajmer - while one of them attends stitching classes, the youngest one is learning Kathak. The family also socialises and attends late-night parties. </p><p>The security personnel, of course, shadow them round-the-clock. Some-times Perumal or his family members travel in someone else's car or let their friends travel with them when they go out. Security requirements do not permit this. </p><p>One officer associated with his security, in a confidential communication, complained to his bosses that Perumal often insisted on using his friend's car - a security risk. Besides, his security has to be beefed up during his frequent outstation trips.<br><br>And that's not all. Perumal has purchased land in the state in some Indian relative's name, and security agencies suspect he wants to settle down in Ajmer. Perumal admits to having bought 2.5 acres of farmland and says he keeps cows there. </p><p>Since he has several Indian relatives, it wasn't difficult. He justifies the purchase, saying, "It is time I saved and made some investments for my daughters' future. I may have to settle them here eventually." His security staff also question his use of government vehicles for bringing fodder for the cattle and selling the milk.<br><br>These activities have not gone down well with the state Government, which now hopes that the BJP-led Government in Delhi will be more kindly disposed towards its request for moving the Sri Lankan from Rajasthan. Though feigning ignorance about such moves, Perumal says he does not mind shifting out of Ajmer. "I've never had any problem with Indians," he says diplomatically. "They have cared well for my family." </p><p>He becomes quite nostalgic about his stay in India, but has some grouses too. For example, he was unable to meet Sonia Gandhi and pay his condolences after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination due to his forced isolation. Any reference to Rajiv makes him emotional about his brief association with the former prime minister, whom he describes as "an honest leader who was the image of a new India". </p><p>He cherishes those memories. His eventful life and his associations with powerful people could make for interesting reading. Is he planning an autobiography? "I am too young for that," he says. Instead, he has started writing a book on rural development in India.<br><br>The exiled EPRLF leader would love to become a columnist or speak at seminars on Sri Lanka, but is quick to add: "I will not do that without the Indian Government's consent." That should be music to Shekhawat's ears. But with Perumal's avowed intent to end his political <i>vanvas</i> this year, his security staff and the state Government could well have much more to worry about than occasional jaunts to the fish market.</p><div id="tab-link-wrapper-plugin"><div class="authors__container"><div class="authors__by"><div class="authlable">Published By: </div><div class="authdetaisl">AtMigration </div></div><div class="published__on"><div class="authlable">Published On: </div><div class="authdetaisl">May 11, 1998</div></div></div><div class="sendros">--- ENDS ---</div></div></div>

states

States

<div class="itg-mosimage"><div class="itgimage"><img  title=""  class="" alt="" src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1998May%2Fa%2520demanding-1_082712012733.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div><p>He is an unusual customer for the fish-mongers of Ajmer. The dark, heavily built, middle-aged Tamil is conspicuous in the crowded fish market not only because there are very few south Indians in the city, but also because he is always accompanied by a posse of stern-looking CRPF men in civvies. They know he is someone important and hard to please, being a fish connoisseur. But they do not mind his visits.<br><br>His escorts, however, do. For, Varadraja Perumal, one of the few surviving leaders of Sri Lanka's Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF), has been living in exile in India for the past eight years. High on the hit list of the LTTE, he is provided Z-plus category security by the Indian Government.</p><p>"Adventures" such as visits to the fish market are frowned upon by his security people, who feel that such jobs should be left to his staff. But he protests: "This is unfair. After all only I know about my taste. Tomorrow, they may not even let me buy a pen for myself." Possibly not, if the Rajasthan Government can have its way. He is one guest the state would gladly do without.<br><br>Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has written to the Centre four times in the past few months, requesting that he be removed from the state, but has drawn no response. "Perumal's had to be a secret presence, which is no longer the case, and so we cannot guarantee his security," says an aide of the chief minister.<br><br>Perumal, on the other hand, is quite at home in Ajmer, where he has been living since 1992 with his wife and three daughters. Elected chief minister of North Eastern Province of Sri Lanka in 1987 in elections held under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, the 45-year-old Perumal played a crucial role in finalising the accord and bringing together political and democratic forces in the country. </p><p>But when the pact fell through, the Indian government provided him a home and a high-level security that is reserved for important politicians such as L.K. Advani, Buta Singh and Rajesh Pilot.</p><div class="itg-mosimage"><div class="itgimage"><img  title=""  class="" alt="" src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1998May%2Fa%2520demanding-2_082712012733.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div>Varadraja Perumal (with daughters), played a key role in finalising the Indo-Lanka Accord</div></p><p>The EPRLF leader and his family are provided a company of CRPF and 20 local police personnel, including women, in addition to members of the Central intelligence agencies for security. His perks include a palatial bungalow, a dozen-odd domestic staff, including a liaison officer, cooks and servants, and two vehicles.</p><p>The Centre also gives him Rs 6 lakh a year for personal expenditure and overheads, such as fuel and maintenance of vehicles. The annual Central expenditure on this friendly neighbourhood guest is Rs 1.8 crore. </p><p>The overall incharge of Perumal's security, however, is the local superintendent of police, who works under a DIG's directions. In case of any mishap involving the family, the state Government will be held responsible and that's what is worrying the chief minister.<br><br>In 1990, Perumal and his family were put up at a <i>haveli</i> in Madhya Pradesh that belonged to the Scindias. But on his request for a place that offered better educational facilities for his daughters, the Centre allowed his family to shift to Ajmer in September 1992. Though the state Government had initially agreed to let him stay in the city, it now wants him moved out. </p><div class="itemcenter"><iframe scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="62" awidth="320" aheight="62" amplayout="fixed" src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Findiatoday%2Fbanner%2Fpreferred-source-new.html%3Fv%3D1.014" class="preferred-source-banner" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><style>.preferred-source-banner{  margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}</style></p><p>And not without reason. During the early years of political exile, Perumal was advised by the then V. P. Singh government to maintain a low profile and complete silence. He religiously adhered to this ad-vice, keeping away from any controversy and maintaining a distance from even local politicians.<br><br>Lately, however, Perumal has come out of his shell and seems keen to get back into action - the non-violent way. He says, "I will end my political vanvas (exile) this year. We have lost everything to violence and it is only <i>ahimsa</i> that will revive us." </p><p>The EPRLF had been a non-militant organisation except for about five years before the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord when it took to arms. He calls that a fatal mistake. His efforts at staging a comeback in Sri Lankan politics are well-timed as the tenure of incumbent President Chandrika Kumaratunga, whom he describes as the finest elected leader in Sri Lanka, ends next year.<br><br>The change in tack is obvious. For the first time since his arrival in India, Perumal is seeking a review of the political restrictions imposed on him. He told INDIA TODAY: "I want the Government of India to review its stand on me and understand that I can use my political rights even in India." He, however, takes care to add hastily that he would never do or say anything to embarrass the Indian and Sri Lankan governments.<br></p><table style="background-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); margin-right: 8px;" align="left" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" height="64" width="262"><tbody><tr><td><b style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Some of Perumal's activities, like purchasing land near Ajmer and using government vehicles for farm work, has not gone down well with the state administration.</b><br></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Perumal also claims that the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government understands the EPRLF well. "I hope Vajpayeeji will perceive my role the same way as Rajiv Gandhi did," he says. "Expression of my political opinion is not a matter of relationship between the two countries, it is the right of an individual." </p><p>But that is a right the state Government is unwilling to grant him because it is fraught with danger. Whatever the pitfalls, living in total isolation is perhaps too much to expect from a high-profile leader like him. Over the years, he has made many friends. </p><p>His daughters, aged 13, 16 and 18 years, have their own lives in Ajmer - while one of them attends stitching classes, the youngest one is learning Kathak. The family also socialises and attends late-night parties. </p><p>The security personnel, of course, shadow them round-the-clock. Some-times Perumal or his family members travel in someone else's car or let their friends travel with them when they go out. Security requirements do not permit this. </p><p>One officer associated with his security, in a confidential communication, complained to his bosses that Perumal often insisted on using his friend's car - a security risk. Besides, his security has to be beefed up during his frequent outstation trips.<br><br>And that's not all. Perumal has purchased land in the state in some Indian relative's name, and security agencies suspect he wants to settle down in Ajmer. Perumal admits to having bought 2.5 acres of farmland and says he keeps cows there. </p><p>Since he has several Indian relatives, it wasn't difficult. He justifies the purchase, saying, "It is time I saved and made some investments for my daughters' future. I may have to settle them here eventually." His security staff also question his use of government vehicles for bringing fodder for the cattle and selling the milk.<br><br>These activities have not gone down well with the state Government, which now hopes that the BJP-led Government in Delhi will be more kindly disposed towards its request for moving the Sri Lankan from Rajasthan. Though feigning ignorance about such moves, Perumal says he does not mind shifting out of Ajmer. "I've never had any problem with Indians," he says diplomatically. "They have cared well for my family." </p><p>He becomes quite nostalgic about his stay in India, but has some grouses too. For example, he was unable to meet Sonia Gandhi and pay his condolences after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination due to his forced isolation. Any reference to Rajiv makes him emotional about his brief association with the former prime minister, whom he describes as "an honest leader who was the image of a new India". </p><p>He cherishes those memories. His eventful life and his associations with powerful people could make for interesting reading. Is he planning an autobiography? "I am too young for that," he says. Instead, he has started writing a book on rural development in India.<br><br>The exiled EPRLF leader would love to become a columnist or speak at seminars on Sri Lanka, but is quick to add: "I will not do that without the Indian Government's consent." That should be music to Shekhawat's ears. But with Perumal's avowed intent to end his political <i>vanvas</i> this year, his security staff and the state Government could well have much more to worry about than occasional jaunts to the fish market.</p><div id="tab-link-wrapper-plugin"><div class="authors__container"><div class="authors__by"><div class="authlable">Published By: </div><div class="authdetaisl">AtMigration </div></div><div class="published__on"><div class="authlable">Published On: </div><div class="authdetaisl">May 11, 1998</div></div></div><div class="sendros">--- ENDS ---</div></div></div>

As exiled EPRLF leader Perumal plans to emerge from obscurity, the Government worries about his security.

India Today

A demanding guest - India Today

Exiled EPRLF leader Perumal plans to emerge from obscurity, govt worries about his security

A demanding guest

By working closely through diplomatic engagement, trade and cultural cooperation, Musawa believes that both nations can play a leading role in shaping a future where developing countries have a louder voice on the world stage.

World Governments Summit

India–Nigeria ties key to shaping a stronger global south

A video of a street dog running with a police vehicle on Marine Drive, Mumbai, has highlighted the unique bond between the animal and the police officers patrolling the area.

mumbai street dog

This stray dog regularly tags along with Mumbai Police at Marine Drive

A city council meeting in Frisco, Texas, turned into a verbal clash between right-wing critics and Indian-origin citizens. While the right-wing participants alleged that Indians were committing visa fraud by acquiring H-1B visas and displacing American citizens, the Indian attendees argued they were being generalised as a community and their presence was a net benefit for the American city. 

The council meeting in the city of Frisco saw right-wing critics and Indian citizens clash over allegations of H-1B fraud and Indian population surge.  

Indian takeover of US city: Right-wing turns Frisco council meet into H-1B showdown

Britain has given Air India a week's deadline to submit a complete response, or face regulatory action against it and its fleet of 33 Boeing 787s.

Air India flight

Air India probes crew compliance after Boeing 787 fuel control switch issue

India's vulnerable dugong population shows promising stability along the Tamil Nadu coast, with a recent survey counting 270 individuals in key habitats. Conservation efforts, including protected reserves and community involvement, are key to sustaining these gentle sea cows.

India's dugong population along the Tamil Nadu coastline shows remarkable stability, with a new survey revealing 270 individuals, the largest viable group in the country. (Representational image: Getty)

Sea cows of India: Population of vulnerable mammal getting stable

Play Time!

PM Modi

Parliament Budget Session

WPL 2026 Final

Bharat Taxi

Donald Trump

Mamata Banerjee

IND vs AFG LIVE Score

Rahul Gandhi

Dhurandhar 2

T20 World Cup

Border 2

In this address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlines India's trajectory towards becoming a developed nation, emphasizing that the country has reached a decisive stage in its journey. He highlights that 'The world is moving very fast towards a new world order,' with India positioned as a reliable 'Vishwa Mitra' or global friend. The Prime Minister notes that while many developed nations are aging, India’s strength lies in its youthful population and significant talent pool. He contrasts the current economic stability—characterized by high growth and low inflation—with the previous 'Fragile Five' status, noting India's progress toward becoming the world's third-largest economy. Modi also mentions recent 'future-ready' trade deals, including significant negotiations with the European Union, and asserts India's role as a leading voice for the Global South on the international stage.

World moving towards a new world order: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

Opposition leaders staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to the Motion of Thanks to President address on Thursday.

Walkout

Opposition leaders stage walkout during PM Modi’s address in Rajya Sabha

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he had advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to come to the House as Opposition MPs had surrounded his chair on Wednesday.

Speaker Om Birla reveals why PM Modi did not address Lok Sabha

Here's the drone visuals of the massive traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which has hit vehicular movement for over 24 hours after a gas tanker overturned in the hilly Khandala Ghat section.

drone

Watch: Drone visuals of massive 22-km traffic jam on Mumbai-Pune Expressway

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the government has successfully safeguarded sensitive sectors in US trade deal.  

Piyush Goyal: No Compromise On Farmers Interests In US Deal

Download App

Mood of the Nation Offer: Use promo code MOTN2026 to get ₹500 off on all Print + Digital subscriptions

Exiled EPRLF leader Perumal plans to emerge from obscurity, govt worries about his security

As exiled EPRLF leader Perumal plans to emerge from obscurity, the Government worries about his security.

PUBLICATIONS

TELEVISION

EVENTS

RADIO

GAMING

USEFUL LINKS

PRINTING

WELFARE

DISTRIBUTION

SYNDICATIONS

WEBSITES

EDUCATION