Chapter 7 Prominent Events and Activities

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)

Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi:

 On May 21, 1991, LTTE operatives assassinated former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv
Gandhi in a suicide bombing during an election rally in Tamil Nadu. This act was a
retaliation against India's involvement in the Sri Lankan Civil War and underscored
LTTE's use of suicide bombings as a tactic.

Sri Lankan Civil War:

 The LTTE was a key player in the Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted from 1983 to 2009.
The conflict was marked by brutal violence, including the Black July pogrom in 1983
which refers to the anti-Tamil riots in July 1983, which were triggered by the killing of
13 Sri Lankan soldiers by the LTTE. The riots resulted in the deaths of hundreds of
Tamils and the displacement of thousands. This event marked a significant escalation in
the Sri Lankan Civil War and intensified ethnic tensions.

 The LTTE's tactics included guerrilla warfare, suicide bombings, and naval operations.
The war ended in 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE, but it left a lasting impact on Sri
Lanka's social and political landscape.

Final Defeat in 2009:

 The Sri Lankan government launched a decisive military campaign against the LTTE in
2008-2009, leading to the group's defeat in May 2009. The final stages of the war were
marked by intense fighting, civilian casualties, and allegations of human rights violations.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)

2008 Mumbai Attacks:

 One of the most devastating terrorist attacks in India's history, the 2008 Mumbai attacks
were carried out by ten LeT operatives. Over four days, they targeted multiple locations,
including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, and Chhatrapati Shivaji

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 Maharaj Terminus, resulting in 166 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The attacks
highlighted the group's capability to execute coordinated, high-profile operations.

2001 Parliament Attack:

 On December 13, 2001, LeT, along with Jaish-e-Mohammed, attacked the Indian
Parliament in New Delhi. The attackers breached the security perimeter and engaged in a
gun battle, killing nine people. This attack brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war,
emphasizing LeT's goal of destabilizing India.

Infiltrations and Attacks in Kashmir:

 LeT has been actively involved in infiltrations and attacks in the Kashmir region. Their
operations include ambushes on security forces, bombings, and targeted killings. These
activities aim to fuel unrest and challenge Indian sovereignty in the region.

Taliban

The Taliban emerged as a formidable force in the 1990s, capturing Kabul in 1996 and
establishing a regime based on extreme interpretations of Sharia law. The fall of Kabul marked
the beginning of a repressive rule characterized by severe restrictions on civil liberties,
particularly affecting women and minority groups. The Taliban systematically enforced gender
apartheid, prohibiting women from education and work and imposing strict dress codes.

After the U.S. invasion in 2001, the Taliban was ousted but maintained a guerrilla war against
Afghan and U.S. forces. In 2021, the Taliban regained control of Kabul with the withdrawal of
U.S. troops, reverting to its prior brutal governance policies. Reports of human rights abuses,
specifically regarding the treatment of women and ethnic and religious minorities, have
proliferated since their return to power, with a reinstatement of oppressive edicts against women.

Chapter 9 Regional and Global Impact

Political Instability

Terrorism in South Asia has profound implications, causing political instability and adversely
affecting civilian life across multiple nations. Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Taliban, and the

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LTTE have contributed to regional turmoil. Political instability arises mainly from these group’s
violent actions and the government's responses. The frequent terrorist attacks lead to heightened
security measures and a militarization of state responses, undermining public trust in
governments. For instance, the persistent threat posed by the Taliban has destabilized
Afghanistan, leading to the collapse of democratic institutions and the reestablishment of an
authoritarian regime where dissent is harshly suppressed.

Impact on Civilian Life

In terms of civilian life, terrorism often results in large-scale displacement, loss of life, and
psychological trauma among the populace. In Afghanistan, the Taliban's return to power in 2021
has seen rampant human rights violations, particularly against women and ethnic minorities,
instilling a climate of fear and oppression. Similarly, the Sri Lankan civil war under the LTTE
impacted countless civilians, as both government forces and rebel actions led to widespread
atrocities and suffering. In regions like Kashmir and Sri Lanka, prolonged conflicts have
disrupted everyday life, hampering economic growth and education. Bombings, insurgencies, and
riots have killed thousands, displaced populations, and fostered fear. Economic activities suffer,
particularly in tourism and trade, as instability deters investment.

Global Terrorism Nexus

The global terrorism nexus is evident as South Asian terrorist organizations often maintain
links with international groups.

 Lashkar-e-Taiba: Has links with Al-Qaeda and has received support from elements
within Pakistan's ISI, enhancing its operational capabilities.

 Taliban: Maintains relationships with groups like Islamic State Khorasan Province
(ISKP) and the Haqqani network, facilitating a broader jihadist agenda.

 LTTE: Although primarily focused on Tamil separatism, it had established networks for
smuggling and fundraising that expanded internationally.