Indian had confirmation that the Ahat belonged to the LTTE and carried several LTTE cadres. The Indian navy launched Operation Zabardast and on 14 January 1993 two coast guard ships, the CGS Vivek and INS Kirpan, intercepted the Ahat and escorted it towards the Indian coast. According to a third account, the Ahat was intercepted by the Indian navy on 13 January 1993. Three days later, 700 km south-east of Madras, the LTTE allowed the crew to leave the Ahat after which they blew up the ship. According to a fourth account, which was supported by the LTTE, the Ahat was intercepted by the Indian navy on 13 January 1993 in international waters about 290 miles east of Hambantota. According to the official Indian military version, the Ahat was spotted on 6 January 1993 in Indian exclusive economic zone waters, acting suspiciously and changing course frequently. The Indian coast guard and navy shadowed the Ahat and on making radio contact, found out that the ship was carrying arms, ammunition and explosives for the LTTE. After being surrounded by the Indian navy, the crew set the ship, which was about 12 nautical miles off Madras, on fire. Nine crew members jumped overboard and were rescued by the navy. The remaining crew and LTTE cadres were given an opportunity to surrender but according to the Indians, Kittu threatened to blow the ship up if the Indian tried to board it. Attempts to stop the fire and prevent it from sinking were delayed by the presence on board of explosives and hostile crew. On 16 January 1993 LTTE radio announced that ten senior LTTE cadres, including Kittu, had committed suicide. Three days of mourning, starting 18 January 1993, were announced. Notes References External links 1960 births 1993 suicides Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam members People from Valvettithurai People killed during the Sri Lankan Civil War Sri Lankan Tamil rebels Suicides in Sri Lanka Research and Analysis Wing Indian Peace Keeping Force Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi