
Elusive Tiger supremo V Prabhakaran, who has lost almost all the rebel territory and his key aides in the war with Sri Lankan troops, is unlikely to surrender as it may pave the way for his extradition to India to face charges in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, a media report said on Wednesday.
"Surely he will not commit suicide" as he is a billionaire and would want to live longer, nor will he surrender "as it would open the way for India to seek his extradition for the killing of (former Prime Minister) Rajiv Gandhi," military sources were quoted as saying by the 'Bottom Line' newspaper.
Ever since the fall of Kilinochchi (the political headquarters of the Tamil Tigers), in January, Sri Lankan navy has been put on alert to prevent any attempt by Prabhakaran or other senior LTTE leaders to flee the country.
A naval blockade has been imposed in northern Mullaittivu, perhaps the only remaining area where the LTTE has some presence. According to officials, the navy has thrown a security net around the coast off Mullaitivu.
"We have our fast attack craft, speed boats, radars and other equipment keeping round-the-clock watch," an official said, adding the navy personnel have been deputed in four rings along an area of 25 nautical miles off the coast.
Meanwhile, the paper quoted military officials as saying that a doctor treating the LTTE chief has stated that Prabhakaran looked in good health.
Earlier on Monday, Sri Lankan army chief Sarath Fonseka had told US ambassador Robert Blake that Prabhakaran, despite the loss of so many of his chieftains, might still be hiding, either inside the 20 sq km-long 'No Fire Zone' in Pudukudiyirippu or in an underground hideout.
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