As an expert in the field of political and cultural studies with a focus on South Asia, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the religious affiliations and cultural identity of the Tamil Tigers, also known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The LTTE was a militant organization that sought to establish an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. It was active from the late 1970s until its military defeat in 2009. The group's ideology was rooted in Tamil nationalism, which emphasized the distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical identity of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. This identity was often contrasted with that of the majority Sinhalese community, who are predominantly Buddhist and speak the Sinhala language.

Religion and the Tamil Tigers:

The majority of the LTTE's members were indeed Hindu, as Hinduism is the predominant religion among the Tamil population in Sri Lanka. Tamil Hindus make up a significant portion of the island's religious demographic, alongside the Buddhist majority. The LTTE's leadership and its rank-and-file were largely drawn from this Tamil Hindu community.

However, it is important to note that while the LTTE's membership was predominantly Hindu, the organization itself was not explicitly religious in nature. The LTTE's ideology was primarily secular and nationalistic, focusing on the political aspirations of the Tamil people rather than religious doctrine. The group's objectives were driven by the desire for self-determination and the establishment of a separate Tamil homeland, rather than the promotion of Hinduism as a state religion or the imposition of Hindu values on others.

Cultural Identity and Language:

The Tamil language is another key aspect of the LTTE's identity. Tamil is one of the official languages of Sri Lanka and is spoken by the majority of the Tamil population. The LTTE promoted the use of the Tamil language and sought to preserve and protect Tamil culture and heritage. This was in response to perceived marginalization and discrimination by the Sinhalese-dominated government, which was accused of promoting Sinhala and Buddhism at the expense of Tamil culture and language.

**The Role of Religion in the LTTE's Struggle:**

While religion was not the central tenet of the LTTE's ideology, it did play a role in the group's struggle. The LTTE sought to represent the interests of all Tamils, regardless of their religious affiliation. This included not only Hindus but also Tamil-speaking Christians and Muslims. The organization recognized the diversity within the Tamil community and aimed to unite them under a common cause.

In conclusion, the Tamil Tigers were a predominantly Hindu organization in terms of their membership, but their ideology was more focused on Tamil nationalism and the pursuit of an independent Tamil state. Religion, while a part of the cultural identity of many LTTE members, was not the driving force behind the group's actions or objectives.

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Their religion (most are Hindu) and Tamil language set them apart from the four-fifths of Sri Lankans who are Sinhalese--members of a largely Buddhist, Sinhala-speaking ethnic group.May 20, 2009read more >>