'Let civilians go' : Mahanayakes urge LTTE

The Mahanayakas of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters yesterday called on the LTTE to release Tamil civilians held by them in the Vanni requesting them to let go of their grip on innocent civilians as human shields.

A retinue of Buddhist monks from the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, led by the Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Udagama Sri Buddharakkhita and Anunayaka Thera of the Malwatte Chapter Ven. Atthadassi Anunayaka Thera have called upon the LTTE to release Tamil people who have been held captive by them in the North so that they can move to safer areas, after returning from a visit to the Vanni yesterday.

The members of the Mahasangha had visited the Vanni at the invitation of Northern Province Governor Dixon Sanathchandra Dela, who accompanied them to observe the cleared areas in the Vanni.

Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa Dela Bandara was also in the group. Dela Bandara said a community of Buddhist monks, comprising 15 members of Mahasangha from the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters had visited the Vanni following their visit to Kebithigollawa with the Malwatte Maha Nayaka Thera Most Ven.

Tibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera, where they had a temple reconstruction program. Explaining what they had experienced during their visit to the Vanni, Bandara said, they were able to visit hundreds of Tamil people living in the Vanni inside camps under Government protection and support.

They are provided with food , drink, clothes and shelter from the Government. We learned that they are also helped by UN organisations, he said.

"In the camp located in the area called the "Manik Farm", there were 1,000 displaced, of which 269 are children," he said.

"Since our group had a Buddhist monk who could communicate in Tamil , we were able to gather some idea about their life in the Vanni.

They have been under tremendous pressure under the terrorist rule for years," he said.

"The Government has already established Vocational Training Institutes in some of the camps ," he said. The Tamil people in the camps said , they had never expected the people of the South to be so friendly and caring , he said.

"It will be our duty and the responsibility to ensure their freedom and prosperity as Sri Lankans," he added.

Courtesy: Daily News

LTTE clamps on civilian outflow: Mounts artillery batteries inside No-fire zones - Mullaittivu

With more civilians erager to move out of LTTE held areas. the LTTE is attempting to trigger a civilian crisis in Wanni. LTTE terrorists have reportedly drawn artillery batteries, heavy mortars and satellite bases inside civilian settlements and makeshift camps which were earlier declared as no-fire zones, military said citing civilian and ground sources.

Yesterday (29), the government along with the UN and ICRC facilitated transportation of more than 300 civilians including 165 patients who were forcibly held by LTTE as part of its human shield. 40 children were also among the group that had arrived at Omanthai, news sources reported. Meanwhile, the terrorists also released the UN aid workers who were detained by the outfit since 16 January, due to increasing local and international pressure. Two expatriates and 13 other local staff of the United Nations were held captive by LTTE at Puthukkuyirippu, a remaining terrorist fortification.

The LTTE is using the thousands entrapped as cannon fodder in its attempt to stall the multi-frontal military advance, now closing in on its remaining locations Northeast of Visuamadu, Puthukudiyirippu and Mullaittivu, defence observers state. Faced with an inevitable defeat by the security forces. LTTE terrorists have resorted to crude and violent tactics which has resulted in an outburst of civilian agitation against the outfit recently.

On 20th January, around 75,000 people lined up to enter the liberated areas at Kilinochchi were surrounded and beaten by an LTTE led mob. At least 10 people were killed when LTTE terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at the civilians, escapees from the tragic site revealed, speaking to security force officials at Kilinochchi. One of them, a medical student was tortured and exhibited around the populated areas and to make others learn the fate of attempted escapees from the area. A few managed to escape while the rest were dragged towards LTTE torture camps believed to be located at Visuamadu and Puthukudiryirippu. According to informed sources, the civilian exodus is mostly triggered from areas at Teravilkulam, Northeast of Visuamadu and North of Puthukudiyirippu.

LTTE terrorists have already located its artillery batteries, heavy mortar guns and rear operating positions inside the declaredNo-Fire Zones, defence sources said, citing both civilian and technical sources. Many people have fearlessly opposed the LTTE tactic and some have even confronted the terrorists, at times even blocking the movement of heavy gun carriers and trailers into the villages. In the face of a humiliating defeat LTTE terrorists are planning a major civilian tragedy at Wanni, defence observers stated, adding that the probability of “mass suicide” or execution of the civilians by the banned terrorist outfit also cannot be ruled out.

The LTTE’s attempt to provoke security forces into retaliatory fire towards the No Fire zone has proven a failure as troops showed extreme concern for its Zero Civilian Casualty (ZCC) policy. Terrorists are continuing to take shelter among the people entrapped in the conflict zone with utmost contempt for the safety of civilians, defence observers state. With LTTE being deprived of territory and now surrounded, the outfit is resorting to brutal tactics, deserving unreserved condemnation, the official further said.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Government continues to make effective initiatives for the implementation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the conflict areas. The government also took measures to facilitate evacuation of stranded civilians in LTTE held areas, especially the sick and wounded. Though foreign news agencies and tribal media stooges of the ‘Sri Lankan victim industry’ make repetitive attempts to exaggerate the civilian numbers in the No Fire Zone as being over a quarter million, defence observers citing ground sources and reliable information assert that the true figure may fluctuate around 75000 - 100,000 people on a high estimate.

We are no enemies, we have never been...
This war is not against innocent people.

This war is against the Terrorism that makes innocent people suffer and destroy the
peace in a tiny beautiful country.
Let’s bring the peace into these innocent people
www.defence.lk

Troops capture Prabakaran's main hideout: Terrorist to face inevitable defeat - Mullaittivu

Sri Lankan Army troops of the 11th Light Infantry (SLLI) under the 58 Division led by Brigadier Shavendra Silva have captured a main LTTE hideout, what is believed to be a major residential site of the terror leader Prabakaran.

The two storied underground built residential complex was located in a two acre coconut cultivated land which was well fortified, provided with all-round protection from adjacent gun positions and bunker locations. The entire area was brought under security forces control following heavy fighting that ensued between troops and LTTE since early this morning (Feb 2). At least 20 LTTE terrorists were killed during the confrontation that lasted for hours the sources further said.

According to ground sources, the underground bunker runs 50ft deep, protected with a 3ft thick layer of concrete. The air force had bombed this location previously, which is in the center of cadjan houses 500m west of the Paranthan - Mullaititvu main road in general area Piramanthalkulama. The underground bunker was fully air conditioned which consisted of four furnished compartments and tiled floors, the sources said adding that surveillance cameras were also fitted at the entrance of the bunker complex.

During further search operations conducted, troops have also found an oxygen plant inside a luxury compartment believed to be Prabakanran's room along with a M-16(new version) machine gun and an insulin container. Troops had also located a deep-freezer inside the compartment. "Four guard points were found located adjacent to the compartment which were manned by Prabakaran's personal bodyguards", a military official said. Three sound proof power generators were used to supply electricity to the residential site and the adjacent bunkers, the sources further said.

Search operations are continuing .....

Troops miss Prabhakaran by minutes?

Troops operating in the area of Puthukudyiruppu area have discovered a concrete built underground bunker with four rooms and a basement early this morning (Feb 2). It is believed to be a hiding place of Tiger chief V. Prabhakaran. They also believe that Prabhakaran had possibly vacated the place a while ago as troops found a pile of burnt photographs and documents.

A stock of insulin and a photograph of Prabhakaran taken in the same bunker too were found inside the bunker, confirming that it was occupied by him. The bunker is within a coconut grove with the entrance too covered by coconut fronds, according to military sources.

Air Force fighter jets targets LTTE strongholds- Mullaittivu

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets carried out two separate missions yesterday (Feb 1) targeting LTTE strongholds in Mullaittivu.

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said MIG 27 jets pounded a gathering of LTTE cadres detected by Army 59 Division soldiers, north of Mullaittivu at 4 PM.

He said that the second air strike was taken by the jets targeting an LTTE camp located 3 km north of Udayarkattukulam tank at 10.50 last night. Both air missions were successful he said citing operational sources.

More civilians escape from LTTE human shield- Wanni

With Sri Lanka Army is fasts eliminating LTTE barricades in remaining LTTE hiding areas in Mullaittivu, increasing numbers of civilians are being able to escape the LTTE human shield, reveal battlefield sources. Yesterday (Jan 31) alone 195 civilians found safe passages to the government controlled areas, the sources add.

Sri Lanka Navy boats deployed in Mullaittivu coastal waters rescued 43 civilians belonging to 11 families last morning. Sri Lanka navy since recently has made a special boat deployment with ready medical teams and humanitarian aid in the northeastern seas to rescue civilians fleeing LTTE rule of terror in Mullaittivu via sea routes.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Army sources said that a total of 116 civilians including 51 females and 65 males arrived at the Omanthai entry exit point during the course of the day. In Mullaittivu, a total of 152 civilians sought refuge with the soldiers of 57 and 58 Divisions.

The IDPs were directed to the welfare centers

Army 59 Division breaches LTTE strongholds south of Puthukkudiyiruppu

Sri Lanka Army 59 division soldiers operating West of Nanthi Kadal lagoon yesterday (Jan 31) breached the LTTE's heavily fortified defence south of Puthukkudiyiruppu, reveal battlefield reports.

In daylong fighting continued from 6 in the morning, troops of 9 Sinha Regiment (9 SR), 4 Vijayaba Infantry (4 VIR), and 7 Gamunu Watch (7GW) soldiers established their forward boundaries just 1.5km south of Puthukkudiyiruppu built-up. Intercepted terrorists radio transmission reports confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists during the clashes.

Meanwhile, troops engaged in clearing operations in the Mulliyawali area uncovered one T-56 riffle , a military pack and a radio communication set.

Ultimatum to LTTE expires: terrorists ignore safe passage for stranded civilians

LTTE terrorists continued worsening suffering of the thousands of civilians entrapped in the outskirts of Mullaittivu, ignoring the 48 hour ultimatum served for the safe passage of civilians by the Sri Lankan government.

The terrorists ignored the ultimatum with contempt which was declared to ensure safe evacuation of an estimated 1.2 lakh people forcibly held by the LTTE as human shields. "LTTE terrorists violating the objective of the safe area, moved heavy artillery batteries and mortar guns over civilians endangering their safety also attempting to draw civilian casualties in a military retaliation", defence observers state.

According to available information, terrorists are manning a forward defence line in the outer perimeters of the Safe Zone, which is also said to be cluttered with land mines clamping any civilian attempt to reach the liberated areas under the security forces.

"The people have been constantly intimidated by the outfit of severe reprisal for attempting to flee from the LTTE torture zones", a military official at Vavuniya said citing a group of escapees who had arrived at Omanthai on Friday (20). "Faced with an inevitable defeat the terrorist outfit has resorted to the crude tactic of using civilians to prolong the multi-frontal military surge into its remaining jungle hideout, now stretched across a mere 250sq.km area" defence observers further stated.

Despite, LTTE's contempt on the safe passage of civilians the Sri Lankan government on Saturday (31) announced that it would continue to adhere to the zero civilian casualty (ZCC) policy while engaging in its all out effort to eradicate the terrorists.

Naval Patrol Craft rescues 43 Tamil Civilians fleeing from LTTE clutches in Mullaithivu

Sri Lanka Navy's patrol craft rescued 43 Tamil civilians who were fleeing from the LTTE clutches on the 31st of January 2009 around 0730 hrs.

The escapees, belonging to 11 families, consisted of 14 males, 13 females and 16 children, of whom 12 were boys and 4 were girls. They had fled huddled together in two fiber glass boats, seeking assistance from the naval vessels deployed on rescue missions in the Mullaithivu seas.

They had been overjoyed when they finally managed to reach the naval patrol craft despite their boats' dangerous slow passage due to overcrowding and choppy seas. Upon rescue, the escapees were safely brought to the Naval Detachment at Pulmudai. Naval personnel attended to the group's immediate basic requirements by providing them with much-needed food and refreshments. Medical treatment was given to those who were found sick and weary by the naval medical personnel.

The escapees expressed their great relief to have been rescued from an ordeal of painful experiences they had received at the hands of a merciless terror outfit which does not care even the International Community's persistent appeals to let go the innocent civilians in their grip. LTTE's tyrannical orders, they claim through their first hand experience, do not spare even the sick or the wounded.

Sri Lanka Navy has made special arrangements to receive hapless Tamil civilians fleeing from the LTTE clutches. Naval personnel and vessels along with stand-by rescue and medical teams are on special deployment for this humanitarian assistance mission in the North-eastern seas.

Clashes continue south of A-35

The Sri Lanka Army 57 Division, Task Force 3, Task Force 2 and Task Force 4 deployed south of A-35 road (Paranthan- Mullaittivu) continued to engage terrorists' pockets from Visuamadu to Puthukkudiyiruppu areas yesterday (Jan 31).

According to the battlefield reports, troops of the 57 Div continued their operations north of Visuamadu Kulam tank and captured a terrorist bunker last morning. Also, troops during the operations found a sniper riffle.

Meanwhile, the Task Force 2 troops engaged in daylong confrontations with the terrorists north of Udayarkattukualam tank. The Task Force 4 troops too had similar confrontations south of Puthukkudiyiruppu. Both ground sources, and intercepted radio transmission reports confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists during these clashes.

Separately, snipers deployed under the Army 55 Division in Chundikulam forward areas confirmed shooting down of 2 LTTE cadres.

'48 hour ultimatum an eye-opener for INGOs' says Secretary Defence

'48 hour ultimatum an eye-opener for INGOs' says Secretary Defence

"The 48-hour ultimatum declared by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the LTTE to release the civilians, is an eye-opener for the INGOs and the international community to urge the LTTE terrorists to release the civilians", Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa asserted speaking to local news sources Saturday (Jan 31).

Underscoring the need to ensure the safety of the thousands entrapped, he further urged that the UN, ICRC and the international community should exert more pressure on the LTTE.

Reiterating that there will be no ceasefire with the LTTE, and that the military would destroy the LTTE shortly, the Secretary Defence was optimistic that there would be no extension of the ultimatum.

"We will continue with the military offensive until we liberate the remaining area under LTTE control", he was further quoted as saying.

LTTE holds catholic priests, nuns

Appeals have been made to the LTTE to allow a group of 29 Catholic priests and 35 nuns, belonging to the Catholic dioceses of Jaffna and Mannar to cross over to liberated areas to ensure their safety, according to sources close to the Catholic church. They said that some of the priests and nuns, who are trapped in the LTTE dominated area, have now started moving to a new location, Memathalan, in the East end of Mullaitivu for their safety.

According to informed sources, the priests and nuns belonging to four districts - Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi are still with the displaced people. Sources confirmed that the LTTE had set up their artillery and mortar guns pointing at state declared safe zones and are attacking the military.

As the last alternative the civilians are now moving towards Memathalan passing Puthukkudirippu. According to sources, there are six priests and 10 nuns from Mannar and Vavuniya dioceses and 23 priests and 15 nuns from Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi dioceses stranded.

They said that the civilians and the Catholic clergy had built temporary bunkers for their safety and according to a young priest who came to the liberated areas with patients, the LTTE had stopped treating the wounded civilians.

A group of 10 priests now trapped in Suthandrapuram had requested the Catholic Church in Mannar yesterday to take immediate action to evacuate them and the civilians as the situation was becoming dangerous for them. The sources said that there were over 50,000 IDPs in Suthandrapuram and the LTTE had prevented them from fleeing to liberated areas. When contacted the authorities at the Mannar diocese said that praying for the safety of the priests, nuns and civilians under the LTTE control, a special prayer service - Eucharistic adoration is being carried out from last Thursday to next Tuesday at the St. Sebastian Church. The Bishop and priests from Mannar and Vavuniya are participating in this prayer service. A one-day fast will also be held and over 5,000 people are expected for the mass.

Courtesy: Sunday Observer

LTTE underwater vehicles found - Mullaittivu