LTTE to launch new channel in Europe

Chennai-based Makkal TV owned by PMK will provide content

CHENNAI: The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has begun a trial run of its new television channel, Tharisanam (Vision), in Europe, DNA has learnt.

The banned outfit was forced to shut its Paris-based Tamil Television Network (TTN) on May 2 after a crackdown by French authorities.

The new pay channel is reportedly being uplinked from an Israeli satellite platform with feed from Makkal TV in Chennai, which is owned by the pro-Eelam Pattali Makkal Katchi.

According to a post on the Sri Lankan defence ministry’s website, “LTTE terrorists in Europe have launched their second pay channel, Tharisanam, from May 17 by broadcasting via satellite feed from Makkal TV, a Tamil channel based in Chennai, India.” Makkal TV managing director Carmel told DNA, “We have a tie-up with Tharisanam, which will use our programmes on Tamil culture and arts.”

Tharisanam would serve the twin purposes of spreading propaganda and collecting revenue. TTN was collecting about 330,000 euros (Rs1.8 crore) every month from 25,000 subscribers in Europe. “With Europe housing a huge Tamil diaspora, the LTTE can run the channel till it gets caught again and launch another channel,” international security expert B Raman said.

A report by Asian Tribune said Tharisanam will run as a client of GlobeCast, a leading provider of satellite transmission and production services.