LTTE Consolidates Power in Jaffna

The assassination was followed by a series of violent incidents that further established the

LTTE’s militant credentials. These included the killing of a Criminal Investigation Department

inspector, Bastianpillai, and the destruction of an Avro aircraft at Ratmalana Airport.

Such attacks demonstrated both operational capability and strategic intent, distinguishing the

LTTE from rival groups. By the mid-1980s, multiple Tamil militant organizations remained

active, but the balance of power began to shift decisively. In early 1985,

groups such as PLOTE, TELO, and the LTTE were considered relatively equal in strength.

This equilibrium did not last. On the 7th of May 1986, the LTTE launched