Part 5/9:
The civil unrest had its first major flare-up during the late 1950s and early 60s, primarily fueled by government policies that not only marginalized Tamils but also instituted programs that favored Sinhalese citizens. The consequential backlash led to the formation of various Tamil political organizations that increasingly sought greater rights, culminating in the formation of militant groups in response to government oppression.
By the 1970s, tensions had boiled over into violence, particularly with the establishment of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Their aim was nothing short of an independent Tamil state, spurred on by accusations of discrimination against the Tamil people. The conflict was now no longer just a political struggle, but an outright violent insurgency.