Fernandes supported and endorsed many secessionist movements and groups . He was a long time supporter of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ( LTTE ) , an organisation which sought to create an independent state in the north and east of Sri Lanka . Before 1997 , he organised a controversial public convention of pro-LTTE delegates in New Delhi . In July 1998 , he reportedly prevented the Indian Navy from intercepting ships that were suspected of carrying illegal weapons to Tamil guerrilla groups . Fernandes was also a patron of the Fund Raising Committee backed by the LTTE , with an objective to help the 26 accused in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case . The Sri Lankan government stated that , " the LTTE 's biggest supporter in India is Defence Minister George Fernandes . " He also expressed support for Tibetan refugees fighting for freedom against China , and Burmese pro-democratic rebel groups fighting against the military government in Myanmar . <!-- UNSOURCED SECTION Mr. Fernandes is a very active supporter of many Burmese anti-government movements. Quoted regularly on exiled Burmese radio stations, he often criticises the junta and its members on a wide array of topics. He opposes the current government's drive to root out anti-Burmese insurgents along the Burmese-Indian border. During his tenures in office, gun runners were allowed to do business using Indian territories, often as stop overs en route from Thailand to Bangladesh.--> He revealed the infamous " Operation Leech " incident , which resulted in the capture of Arakan Army insurgents on one of India 's islands in the Andaman Sea . He also fought for the welfare and release of anti-Burmese rebels held by the Indian Government . < ! -- UNSOURCED CONTROVERSIAL CLAIMS NEED SOURCE OR SHOULD BE REMOVED -------------- Once , when the National United Party of Arakan complained to Mr. Fernandes of its members being captured in Indian waters , while carrying arms , he issued orders restricting Indian military movements , and all counter-terror / counter-insurgency operations conducted in the region to be asked for approval from the Central Government
Rajiv Gandhi assassination case
Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi
George Fernandes