New Delhi, May 4 -- The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), commonly known as the Tamil Tigers, were a separatist militant organization founded in 1976 in Sri Lanka. The group claimed to fight for an independent Tamil state in the northern and eastern parts of the island. Over time, however, the LTTE became internationally known not only for its insurgency but also for some of the most violent tactics seen in modern militancy. Suicide bombings, assassinations, forced recruitment, attacks on civilians and economic sabotage became central to its campaign. Several countries designated the LTTE as a terrorist organization due to its methods and record of violence.

Sri Lanka's civil conflict officially erupted in 1983 and lasted until 20...