The fall of Thoppigala, the citadel of the Tamil "Tigers" is imminent. A raging battle by land supported by effective air strikes ferreted out the terrorist group which stood firm in pockets for several months.
Where is Thoppigala? The huge rock, 1753 feet tall, clothed with virgin jungle and rough stony terrain close to Manampitiya has had the military spotlight for sometime now. In times of yore, this "Tiger" fortress with several natural caves (recently used to house food and artillery) was Veddah country. The plains below extending upto the well-known Dimbulagala Hills, better known as "Gunner's Quoin" about 10 miles south east of Polonnaruwa and about 8 miles from Manampitiya were irrigated and developed under the Mahaweli scheme.
Dimbulagala has an ancient Buddhist monastery which was the home of a well-known pious monk, the Ven. Kitalagama Seelaratana Maha Thera until he was killed by the Tigers. This monk was the godfather to the poor villagers and established 23 other Buddhist temples in the Eastern Province.
Dimbulagala has ruins from 300 BC to 1200 AD. It is known for its Brahmi rock inscriptions seen over drip ledges of caves in the vicinity of the temple. This forest hermitage is perched up on the hill from where one gets a beautiful bird’s eye view of the irrigated plains and water spots below. The entire region was once Veddah territory where leopard, deer and elephants roamed.
The whole of the Eastern Province is rich in archaeological ruins and rock inscriptions of Buddhist interest. Besides these, there is the historic Mahiyangana stupa which legend says was a place visited by Gautama Buddha. There is the Digavapi stupa, south-east of Amparai, Magul Maha Vihara near Pottuvil and the Kudimbigala forest hermitage on the west bordering the Yala sanctuary. There are several lakes and ponds and small tanks that supported agriculture - the Divulana lake, Rukam tank, Maduru Oya reservoir, the Irrakkamam lake and Sorabora Wewa that attract beautiful migratory birds - the teal and heron who come there to nest during the season, from May to September each year.
Moving further south in the picturesque Eastern Province is yet another geographically interesting rock outcrop, south of Inginiyagala and not far from the largest tank of Sri Lanka, the Senanayake Samudra. This majestic-looking rock had been indicated in the Survey Department topographical sheet of Pottuvil as Westminster Abbey (Native: "Govindahella") rising 1831 ft. over a flat plain.
During the time of the Sinhala Kings it had been a fortress - an outpost for the Rohana Province. Over 100 years ago, it was the home of the Veddah community who lived hunting and gathering bees' honey. Prof. Seligman and later Dr. Richard L. Spittel, surgeon and anthropologist visited the Veddahs quite often to care for their needs.
Dr. Spittel in his first book on Ceylon and the Veddahs, "Wild Ceylon" says interestingly - "I have had a small share - into a narrative (in the Preface) primarily designed to describe the homely aspects of jungle life, especially as it concerns the Veddahs - the last remnant of Ceylon's aboriginal race.
"In the dim waste lands of the Orient stands the wreck of a race, so old and vast that the greyest legend cannot lay hands on the single fact of its tongueless past.”
Dr. Spittel was a crusader of the backward communities - the Veddahs who lived at Sorabora Wewa, at Pallebedde, at Gunner's Quoin and close to Westminster Abbey. He was always there to see to the needs of the Baiyas who lived near Chenakaladi; the Rodiyas and the Kinnarayas who engaged themselves in mat weaving. They all led a sad meagre existence and were a rare indigenous cultural entity, who braved living with the Malaria mosquito. Their folklore was interesting, their witchcraft age-old, and their unity was an example to those who loved and lived in the jungle.
A note on the picturesque and rich East will not be complete without a brief reference to a few better known personalities, who in diverse ways took an abiding interest to introduce to us, over the years, the beauty and richness of the province. Prof. Seligman and Dr. Spittel were anthropologists who were friends of the Veddahs and the backward community there. Ven. Kitalagama Seelaratana Maha Thera was besides being a religious leader, a great social worker.
Dudley Senanayake as a Minister of Agriculture set up the Gal Oya Valley scheme and saw that the Senanayake Samudra was constructed and named after his father who for decades did much to improve agriculture. S.V.O. Somanader, an educationist and journalist of Batticaloa and Nihal Fernando of "Studio Times" are great travellers and writers who introduced the area to the outside world.
Then there was D.B. Ellepola who handled work of the "Backward Communities Board" set up by D.S. Senanayake, and Dr. R.L. Brohier, a geographer, historian and cartographer of the Survey Department, who with his devoted band of surveyors travelled to all parts of the province to unearth and record for posterity the treasures there to be seen. Ven Ellawala Medhananda Thera, (MP) an epigraphist too has travelled widely in the Eastern Province to read for us, under difficult conditions, a large number of rock inscriptions discovered by him over cave drip ledges. This galaxy of people with diverse interests were a perfect mix of educated sons who did much for Lanka.
(http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070708/Plus/pls12.html)
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Army finds 15 more dead bodies of Tiger cadres
Security force engaged in search operations have found 15 more dead bodies of Tiger cadres who were killed in clashes in Thoppigala area. Media Center for National Security says that they decided to bury the dead bodies as they had decomposed instead of handing over to the Tigers organization as was usually done.
With the capture of three tiger camps by the security forces at Narakamulla area in Batticaloa on 19th, Tiger cadres in that area have begun to flee and some are reported to be trapped in the Thoppigala jungle. Security forces say they have issued public notices for those who are thus trapped to surrender to the Armed forces immediately.
The Army says they have only 22 square kilometers to rescue in Thoppigala area.
Meanwhile two Tiger cadres in the clash in Omantha area and another two at pointpedro were killed yesterday. At a subsequent search operation the Army has found four T-56 rifles.
In another incident a boat suspected to be of the Tigers and that was sailing in Nilaweli sea in Trincomalee has exploded. At 10:45am yesterday the Navy noticed the suspicious boat and ordered it to stop. Despite several alarm shots having fired, the boat sped off towards Mulative and the Navy were chasing after it when it exploded.
At a subsequent search operation a body of a woman Tiger cadre has been found.
(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/June/23/20070623_5.htm)
With the capture of three tiger camps by the security forces at Narakamulla area in Batticaloa on 19th, Tiger cadres in that area have begun to flee and some are reported to be trapped in the Thoppigala jungle. Security forces say they have issued public notices for those who are thus trapped to surrender to the Armed forces immediately.
The Army says they have only 22 square kilometers to rescue in Thoppigala area.
Meanwhile two Tiger cadres in the clash in Omantha area and another two at pointpedro were killed yesterday. At a subsequent search operation the Army has found four T-56 rifles.
In another incident a boat suspected to be of the Tigers and that was sailing in Nilaweli sea in Trincomalee has exploded. At 10:45am yesterday the Navy noticed the suspicious boat and ordered it to stop. Despite several alarm shots having fired, the boat sped off towards Mulative and the Navy were chasing after it when it exploded.
At a subsequent search operation a body of a woman Tiger cadre has been found.
(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/June/23/20070623_5.htm)
Women Tigers' camp seized
Security forces in the operations to liberate Thoppigala area have come across a Wanni Tiger women's camp.
This camp located at Narakamulla, to the south of Thoppigala was seized by the forces after severe battle and later it was identified as a camp mainly used by women cadres. This camp was used to manufacture uniforms to the Tiger cadres and such activities have been prevalent even when the camp was seized. It was also revealed that three regional leaders of the LTTE have been at the camp during the battle started.
Among the items discovered from this camp there have been computers, sewing machines, maps of planned Tiger camps, secret documents and weapons. According to the evidence, during the battle to seize the camp many of the inhabitants might have been killed or injured, security forces announced. It was difficult to take the camp under control since the fled Tigers have set up land mines and booby traps to hinder the advancing security forces. There is an area of 10sq km to be liberated next, after which the civil life could be reestablish to normalcy, security sources forecasted.
(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/July/08/20070708_2.htm)
This camp located at Narakamulla, to the south of Thoppigala was seized by the forces after severe battle and later it was identified as a camp mainly used by women cadres. This camp was used to manufacture uniforms to the Tiger cadres and such activities have been prevalent even when the camp was seized. It was also revealed that three regional leaders of the LTTE have been at the camp during the battle started.
Among the items discovered from this camp there have been computers, sewing machines, maps of planned Tiger camps, secret documents and weapons. According to the evidence, during the battle to seize the camp many of the inhabitants might have been killed or injured, security forces announced. It was difficult to take the camp under control since the fled Tigers have set up land mines and booby traps to hinder the advancing security forces. There is an area of 10sq km to be liberated next, after which the civil life could be reestablish to normalcy, security sources forecasted.
(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/July/08/20070708_2.htm)
Indian General refutes Keheliya’s comments on Thoppigala occupation
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), which battled the LTTE in North-East Sri Lanka from July 1987 to March 1990, conducted operations in the Thoppigala jungles, but made no attempt to occupy the area because it had no strategic significance, a former area commander, Maj Gen Ashok Mehta told Hindustan Times.
Gen Mehta's remarks are significant in the context of a claim by the Sri Lankan Defense spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Wednesday, that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops. "Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide-out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!" Gen.Mehta, who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Ampara said.
However this was contradicted by the LTTE's military spokesman, Rasaiah Ilanthirayan, who told an Australian radio station, that the IPKF had set up camps in Thoppigala. “Taking and retaining Thoppigala will be costly, both in men and material. But since the Sri Lankan government is hell bent on militarily defeating the LTTE, it would go ahead regardless of the cost”, they added.
Ilanthirayan told Tamilnet recently, that the Sri Lankan Army was walking into a "trap" as the LTTE's withdrawals were "strategic" in nature. He admitted that the Sri Lankan Army had entered the Thoppigala area, but maintained that only the future would be able to say if the government's assertions were well founded. As regards the LTTE's plans he said: "At the moment we can only say that we are recasting our plans for the East."
However, the Sri Lankan Army is gung ho about its achievements and prospects. "We have already taken 700 sq.km of Thoppigala, and have only about 7 to 8 km to go before the whole place is under our control," said Army spokesman, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, on Thursday.
No one disputes the claim that taking Thoppigala is only a matter of time, given the manpower and the weaponry the Army possesses. In contrast, there are only about 400 ill-equipped LTTE cadres there.
Observers feel that the need to take Thoppigala is politically motivated rather than what can be termed a military victory. The government's aim seems to be to take it by July 26, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa plans to celebrate the conquest of the entire Eastern province, covering a total of 5200 sq km, something which has never happened before, as pointed out by Brig.Samarasinghe.
There are plans to follow this up by holding "free and fair" local elections without the interference of LTTE terrorists and thus get the plaudits of moderate Tamils. End July, Rajapaksa will be presenting the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party's plans for the country, in the form of a document, which is eagerly awaited as he is facing mounting challenges and criticism from all quarters. There is a revolt in his party, albeit incipient. There is heightened activity of the opposition parties and increasing international censure for human rights violations.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/07/06/front/07.asp)
Gen Mehta's remarks are significant in the context of a claim by the Sri Lankan Defense spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Wednesday, that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops. "Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide-out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!" Gen.Mehta, who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Ampara said.
However this was contradicted by the LTTE's military spokesman, Rasaiah Ilanthirayan, who told an Australian radio station, that the IPKF had set up camps in Thoppigala. “Taking and retaining Thoppigala will be costly, both in men and material. But since the Sri Lankan government is hell bent on militarily defeating the LTTE, it would go ahead regardless of the cost”, they added.
Ilanthirayan told Tamilnet recently, that the Sri Lankan Army was walking into a "trap" as the LTTE's withdrawals were "strategic" in nature. He admitted that the Sri Lankan Army had entered the Thoppigala area, but maintained that only the future would be able to say if the government's assertions were well founded. As regards the LTTE's plans he said: "At the moment we can only say that we are recasting our plans for the East."
However, the Sri Lankan Army is gung ho about its achievements and prospects. "We have already taken 700 sq.km of Thoppigala, and have only about 7 to 8 km to go before the whole place is under our control," said Army spokesman, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, on Thursday.
No one disputes the claim that taking Thoppigala is only a matter of time, given the manpower and the weaponry the Army possesses. In contrast, there are only about 400 ill-equipped LTTE cadres there.
Observers feel that the need to take Thoppigala is politically motivated rather than what can be termed a military victory. The government's aim seems to be to take it by July 26, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa plans to celebrate the conquest of the entire Eastern province, covering a total of 5200 sq km, something which has never happened before, as pointed out by Brig.Samarasinghe.
There are plans to follow this up by holding "free and fair" local elections without the interference of LTTE terrorists and thus get the plaudits of moderate Tamils. End July, Rajapaksa will be presenting the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party's plans for the country, in the form of a document, which is eagerly awaited as he is facing mounting challenges and criticism from all quarters. There is a revolt in his party, albeit incipient. There is heightened activity of the opposition parties and increasing international censure for human rights violations.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/07/06/front/07.asp)
1196 soldiers have been died and 1516 injured during the clashes took place form 5th of December 2005 until now
Paying compensations continue to delay complains the relatives of soldiers who died during the security operations. They appeal govt to take immediate action to change this situation which caused vrious problems for the families of dead soldiers.
When a member of security forces die or the family is displaced their only means of living is the compensation given by the govt and if that does not received in time their life comes down to helpless situation. The families of dead soldiers further say that it is a responsibility of the govt to strengthen the life and families of the soldiers who sacrificed for the national security.
1196 soldiers have been died and 1516 injured during the clashes took place form 5th of December 2005 until now, and the total number of soldiers who are hospitalised are 398 reports said.
When a member of security forces die or the family is displaced their only means of living is the compensation given by the govt and if that does not received in time their life comes down to helpless situation. The families of dead soldiers further say that it is a responsibility of the govt to strengthen the life and families of the soldiers who sacrificed for the national security.
1196 soldiers have been died and 1516 injured during the clashes took place form 5th of December 2005 until now, and the total number of soldiers who are hospitalised are 398 reports said.
`Thoppigala was a vast jungle area there was no need to occupy the area.
According to sources billions of dollars worth of bombs and shells fired into jungles.
unlimited bombs droped from air into jungle. one should wonder where are all these money spend and why are they spend.
Commic keheliya the joker boasted that even IPKF couldnt capture the thopigala.
in reply the the IPKF Maj gen said. thopigala is a jungle it had training camps, prisons,and hospitals, we had went in and attacked those and came back.
what is the point in occupying jungle? there is nothing to occupy.
it was like smake in the face of srilankan government.
sinhalese are fooled by the government and billions of dollars are spend to distroy jungles.
in short the Indian Maj Gen hinted ` we are not stupid as sinhala governmnet.
Keheliya Rambukwella: said even IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala , Indian army chief said `Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which had hospitals, prisons and training camps I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!`
Indian Army did not take Thoppigala: Maj Gen Mehta
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), which battled the LTTE in North-East Sri Lanka from July 1987 to March 1990, did conduct operations in the Thoppigala jungles, but made no attempt to occupy the area because it had no strategic significance, a former area commander, Maj Gen Ashok Mehta told Hindustan Times on Thursday.
Gen Mehta`s remarks are significant in the context of a claim by the Sri Lankan Defence spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Wednesday, that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops.
`Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!` Gen.Mehta, who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Amparai, said.
But this was contradicted by the LTTE`s military spokesman, Rasaiah Ilanthirayan, who told an Australian radio station, that the IPKF had set up camps in Thoppigala.
Cost of occupation
Taking and retaining Thoppigala will be costly, both in men and material, independent military experts say. But since the Sri Lankan government is hell bent on militarily defeating the LTTE, it would go ahead regardless of the cost, they added.
Ilanthirayan had told Tamilnet recently, that the Sri Lankan Army was walking into a `trap` as the LTTE`s withdrawals were `strategic` in nature.
He admitted that the Sri Lankan Army had entered the Thoppigala area, but maintained that only the future would be able to say if the government`s assertions were well founded. As regards the LTTE`s plans he said: `At the moment we can only say that we are recasting our plans for the East.`
Lankan army gung ho
However, the Sri Lankan Army is gung ho about its achievements and prospects.
`We have already taken 700 sq.km of Thoppigala, and have only about 7 to 8 km to go before the whole place is under our control,` said Army spokesman, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, on Thursday.
But independent military observers say that the progress has been slow. There is stiff resistance by the LTTE and the terrain has been difficult. `If it is a walk over, why the did the Air Force pound the area on Wednesday and Thursday?` asked Iqbal Athas of The Sunday Times.
unlimited bombs droped from air into jungle. one should wonder where are all these money spend and why are they spend.
Commic keheliya the joker boasted that even IPKF couldnt capture the thopigala.
in reply the the IPKF Maj gen said. thopigala is a jungle it had training camps, prisons,and hospitals, we had went in and attacked those and came back.
what is the point in occupying jungle? there is nothing to occupy.
it was like smake in the face of srilankan government.
sinhalese are fooled by the government and billions of dollars are spend to distroy jungles.
in short the Indian Maj Gen hinted ` we are not stupid as sinhala governmnet.
Keheliya Rambukwella: said even IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala , Indian army chief said `Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which had hospitals, prisons and training camps I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!`
Indian Army did not take Thoppigala: Maj Gen Mehta
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), which battled the LTTE in North-East Sri Lanka from July 1987 to March 1990, did conduct operations in the Thoppigala jungles, but made no attempt to occupy the area because it had no strategic significance, a former area commander, Maj Gen Ashok Mehta told Hindustan Times on Thursday.
Gen Mehta`s remarks are significant in the context of a claim by the Sri Lankan Defence spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Wednesday, that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops.
`Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!` Gen.Mehta, who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Amparai, said.
But this was contradicted by the LTTE`s military spokesman, Rasaiah Ilanthirayan, who told an Australian radio station, that the IPKF had set up camps in Thoppigala.
Cost of occupation
Taking and retaining Thoppigala will be costly, both in men and material, independent military experts say. But since the Sri Lankan government is hell bent on militarily defeating the LTTE, it would go ahead regardless of the cost, they added.
Ilanthirayan had told Tamilnet recently, that the Sri Lankan Army was walking into a `trap` as the LTTE`s withdrawals were `strategic` in nature.
He admitted that the Sri Lankan Army had entered the Thoppigala area, but maintained that only the future would be able to say if the government`s assertions were well founded. As regards the LTTE`s plans he said: `At the moment we can only say that we are recasting our plans for the East.`
Lankan army gung ho
However, the Sri Lankan Army is gung ho about its achievements and prospects.
`We have already taken 700 sq.km of Thoppigala, and have only about 7 to 8 km to go before the whole place is under our control,` said Army spokesman, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, on Thursday.
But independent military observers say that the progress has been slow. There is stiff resistance by the LTTE and the terrain has been difficult. `If it is a walk over, why the did the Air Force pound the area on Wednesday and Thursday?` asked Iqbal Athas of The Sunday Times.
Indian Army did not take Thoppigala: Maj Gen Mehta
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), which battled the LTTE in North-East Sri Lanka from July 1987 to March 1990, did conduct operations in the Thoppigala jungles, but made no attempt to occupy the area because it had no strategic significance, a former area commander, Maj Gen Ashok Mehta told Hindustan Times on Thursday.
Gen Mehta`s remarks are significant in the context of a claim by the Sri Lankan Defence spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Wednesday, that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops.
`Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!` Gen.Mehta, who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Amparai, said.
But this was contradicted by the LTTE`s military spokesman, Rasaiah Ilanthirayan, who told an Australian radio station, that the IPKF had set up camps in Thoppigala.
Cost of occupation
Taking and retaining Thoppigala will be costly, both in men and material, independent military experts say. But since the Sri Lankan government is hell bent on militarily defeating the LTTE, it would go ahead regardless of the cost, they added.
Ilanthirayan had told Tamilnet recently, that the Sri Lankan Army was walking into a `trap` as the LTTE`s withdrawals were `strategic` in nature.
He admitted that the Sri Lankan Army had entered the Thoppigala area, but maintained that only the future would be able to say if the government`s assertions were well founded. As regards the LTTE`s plans he said: `At the moment we can only say that we are recasting our plans for the East.`
Lankan army gung ho
However, the Sri Lankan Army is gung ho about its achievements and prospects.
`We have already taken 700 sq.km of Thoppigala, and have only about 7 to 8 km to go before the whole place is under our control,` said Army spokesman, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, on Thursday.
But independent military observers say that the progress has been slow. There is stiff resistance by the LTTE and the terrain has been difficult. `If it is a walk over, why the did the Air Force pound the area on Wednesday and Thursday?` asked Iqbal Athas of The Sunday Times.
However, no one disputes the claim that taking Thoppigala is only a matter of time, given the manpower and the weaponry with the Army. In contrast, there are only about 400 ill-equipped LTTE there.
Political compulsions
Observers feel that the need to take Thoppigala is political rather than military. The government`s aim seems to be to take it by July 26, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa plans to celebrate the conquest of the entire East, covering a total of 5200 sq km, `something which has never happened before,` as Brig.Samarasinghe said.
There are plans to follow this up by holding `free and fair` local elections without the interference of LTTE terrorists and thus get the plaudits of the moderate Tamils.
In July-end, Rajapaksa will be presenting the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party`s plans for the country in the form of document, which is eagerly awaited because he is facing mounting challenges. There is a revolt in his party, albeit incipient. There is heightened activity of the opposition parties and increasing international censure for human rights violations.
Gen Mehta`s remarks are significant in the context of a claim by the Sri Lankan Defence spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Wednesday, that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops.
`Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!` Gen.Mehta, who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Amparai, said.
But this was contradicted by the LTTE`s military spokesman, Rasaiah Ilanthirayan, who told an Australian radio station, that the IPKF had set up camps in Thoppigala.
Cost of occupation
Taking and retaining Thoppigala will be costly, both in men and material, independent military experts say. But since the Sri Lankan government is hell bent on militarily defeating the LTTE, it would go ahead regardless of the cost, they added.
Ilanthirayan had told Tamilnet recently, that the Sri Lankan Army was walking into a `trap` as the LTTE`s withdrawals were `strategic` in nature.
He admitted that the Sri Lankan Army had entered the Thoppigala area, but maintained that only the future would be able to say if the government`s assertions were well founded. As regards the LTTE`s plans he said: `At the moment we can only say that we are recasting our plans for the East.`
Lankan army gung ho
However, the Sri Lankan Army is gung ho about its achievements and prospects.
`We have already taken 700 sq.km of Thoppigala, and have only about 7 to 8 km to go before the whole place is under our control,` said Army spokesman, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, on Thursday.
But independent military observers say that the progress has been slow. There is stiff resistance by the LTTE and the terrain has been difficult. `If it is a walk over, why the did the Air Force pound the area on Wednesday and Thursday?` asked Iqbal Athas of The Sunday Times.
However, no one disputes the claim that taking Thoppigala is only a matter of time, given the manpower and the weaponry with the Army. In contrast, there are only about 400 ill-equipped LTTE there.
Political compulsions
Observers feel that the need to take Thoppigala is political rather than military. The government`s aim seems to be to take it by July 26, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa plans to celebrate the conquest of the entire East, covering a total of 5200 sq km, `something which has never happened before,` as Brig.Samarasinghe said.
There are plans to follow this up by holding `free and fair` local elections without the interference of LTTE terrorists and thus get the plaudits of the moderate Tamils.
In July-end, Rajapaksa will be presenting the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party`s plans for the country in the form of document, which is eagerly awaited because he is facing mounting challenges. There is a revolt in his party, albeit incipient. There is heightened activity of the opposition parties and increasing international censure for human rights violations.
Thoppigala and military agony aunts
Sri Lanka`s conflict is doom to many but boon to some. It keeps many a retired general turned armchair defence analyst going in twilight years. Every time a shell drops in this country, a former military big gun fires a comment from the other side of the Palk Strait and that travels several times around the globe on the Net before the next shell falls.
At present we have them commenting on Thoppigala. One of the retired Indian military bigwigs, Ashok Mehta, has claimed Thoppigala is of no strategic importance. Therefore, he says, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) only destroyed the LTTE facilities there and did not want to occupy the terrain. He has told The Hindustan Times: `Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide-out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But, we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the areas. There was nothing to occupy.` (The LTTE has, however, said the IPKF set up camps in that area in the late 1980s.) He appears to have obliquely countered Minister Keheliya Rambukwella`s claim that even the IPKF failed to capture Thoppigala.
What Mehta tells us may be true from India`s point of view. India may not have thought it strategically important to occupy Thoppigala, as defeating the LTTE or finishing the conflict was never on India`s agenda. India only wanted to contain the LTTE and allow the conflict to continue at a manageable level so that she could further her geo-political interests at Sri Lanka`s expense. But, the capture and control of Thoppigala is of strategic importance to Sri Lanka.
Mehta is not telling us the whole truth about the importance of Thoppigala, as evident from his lapsus linguae: He admits the LTTE had hospitals, prisons and training camps in that area. The training facilities at Thoppigala were of great import to the LTTE because it was there that it trained most of the cadres conscripted in the Eastern Province. The outfit also used that seemingly impregnable stronghold to co-ordinate its operations in that province.
It could thus be seen that LTTE didn`t use that terrain for picnic purposes or playing hide and seek.
The loss of Thoppigala means a lot to the LTTE, as, in such an eventuality, it will be without the means of training the forcibly recruited cadres in the East. It will be next to impossible for those recruits to be smuggled into the Wanni for training. That alone will make the loss of Thoppigala a crippling blow to the LTTE, which is facing a severe manpower shortage in the Wanni. On the other hand, the outfit will also suffer a devastating psychological blow. We saw how the fall of Elephant Pass devastated the morale of the security forces, who took years to overcome the loss.
Another reason why India didn`t want to hold Thoppigala could have been the superior combat capability of the LTTE, where guerrilla warfare is concerned. Mehta et al may not have wanted to take unnecessary risks by prolonging their stay in that treacherous terrain with an elusive enemy on the prowl.
A question that needs to be posed to Mehta is: If Thoppigala is of no strategic importance, why on earth did the LTTE put up fierce resistance, when the army moved in? The LTTE couldn`t have done so for the fun of it, given the manpower shortage and difficulties in replenishing its military supplies. Tigers tried their best to repulse the onslaught but failed, didn`t they? What Mehta doesn`t tell us is that a vital road linking the East and the Mullativu District lies through the Thoppigala area. They are dependent on this route owing to the domination by the navy of the eastern seas.
It is strange why former Indian military heavyweights who possess a wealth of battlefield experience don`t offer their expertise to their motherland and help her battle terrorism on her soil effectively, without expending, if not dissipating, their energies and time on commenting on their neighbour`s conflict.
Their services are needed most at home. Never mind Kashmir, which is a different kettle of fish. The forest brigand Veerappan reigned supreme and there was little that the Indian security forces could do to stop him. He was captured and killed only after he went blind and needed hospital care. In March, Maoists guerrillas killed 50 Indian policemen in one fell swoop, surrounding as they did a security post in Chhattisgarh State. The militants seized a large haul of weapons from that post where dozens of policemen, soldiers and local militiamen were based and disappeared into the jungle! Some of the attackers were reportedly armed with improvised weapons and Molotov cocktails. Naxalites are running their own parallel administrations and justice systems in some areas.
The emergence of the so-called Red Corridor, a swathe of Maoist militancy from Nepal to the sea via Indian territory is a frightening proposition for India. Assamese militants are also aggravating the woes of the Indian military. A similar situation prevails in Nagaland and elsewhere. But, India`s former soldiers are busy with the conflict here!
Defence analysts anywhere in the world are like eunuchs guarding a king`s harem, as we have said on a previous occasion. They have seen it done and know how to do it but given an opportunity, they cannot do it!
Worse, they proffer opinions like divorced agony aunts, who tell others how to lead a happy married life!
(http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2007/7/16741.html)
At present we have them commenting on Thoppigala. One of the retired Indian military bigwigs, Ashok Mehta, has claimed Thoppigala is of no strategic importance. Therefore, he says, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) only destroyed the LTTE facilities there and did not want to occupy the terrain. He has told The Hindustan Times: `Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide-out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But, we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the areas. There was nothing to occupy.` (The LTTE has, however, said the IPKF set up camps in that area in the late 1980s.) He appears to have obliquely countered Minister Keheliya Rambukwella`s claim that even the IPKF failed to capture Thoppigala.
What Mehta tells us may be true from India`s point of view. India may not have thought it strategically important to occupy Thoppigala, as defeating the LTTE or finishing the conflict was never on India`s agenda. India only wanted to contain the LTTE and allow the conflict to continue at a manageable level so that she could further her geo-political interests at Sri Lanka`s expense. But, the capture and control of Thoppigala is of strategic importance to Sri Lanka.
Mehta is not telling us the whole truth about the importance of Thoppigala, as evident from his lapsus linguae: He admits the LTTE had hospitals, prisons and training camps in that area. The training facilities at Thoppigala were of great import to the LTTE because it was there that it trained most of the cadres conscripted in the Eastern Province. The outfit also used that seemingly impregnable stronghold to co-ordinate its operations in that province.
It could thus be seen that LTTE didn`t use that terrain for picnic purposes or playing hide and seek.
The loss of Thoppigala means a lot to the LTTE, as, in such an eventuality, it will be without the means of training the forcibly recruited cadres in the East. It will be next to impossible for those recruits to be smuggled into the Wanni for training. That alone will make the loss of Thoppigala a crippling blow to the LTTE, which is facing a severe manpower shortage in the Wanni. On the other hand, the outfit will also suffer a devastating psychological blow. We saw how the fall of Elephant Pass devastated the morale of the security forces, who took years to overcome the loss.
Another reason why India didn`t want to hold Thoppigala could have been the superior combat capability of the LTTE, where guerrilla warfare is concerned. Mehta et al may not have wanted to take unnecessary risks by prolonging their stay in that treacherous terrain with an elusive enemy on the prowl.
A question that needs to be posed to Mehta is: If Thoppigala is of no strategic importance, why on earth did the LTTE put up fierce resistance, when the army moved in? The LTTE couldn`t have done so for the fun of it, given the manpower shortage and difficulties in replenishing its military supplies. Tigers tried their best to repulse the onslaught but failed, didn`t they? What Mehta doesn`t tell us is that a vital road linking the East and the Mullativu District lies through the Thoppigala area. They are dependent on this route owing to the domination by the navy of the eastern seas.
It is strange why former Indian military heavyweights who possess a wealth of battlefield experience don`t offer their expertise to their motherland and help her battle terrorism on her soil effectively, without expending, if not dissipating, their energies and time on commenting on their neighbour`s conflict.
Their services are needed most at home. Never mind Kashmir, which is a different kettle of fish. The forest brigand Veerappan reigned supreme and there was little that the Indian security forces could do to stop him. He was captured and killed only after he went blind and needed hospital care. In March, Maoists guerrillas killed 50 Indian policemen in one fell swoop, surrounding as they did a security post in Chhattisgarh State. The militants seized a large haul of weapons from that post where dozens of policemen, soldiers and local militiamen were based and disappeared into the jungle! Some of the attackers were reportedly armed with improvised weapons and Molotov cocktails. Naxalites are running their own parallel administrations and justice systems in some areas.
The emergence of the so-called Red Corridor, a swathe of Maoist militancy from Nepal to the sea via Indian territory is a frightening proposition for India. Assamese militants are also aggravating the woes of the Indian military. A similar situation prevails in Nagaland and elsewhere. But, India`s former soldiers are busy with the conflict here!
Defence analysts anywhere in the world are like eunuchs guarding a king`s harem, as we have said on a previous occasion. They have seen it done and know how to do it but given an opportunity, they cannot do it!
Worse, they proffer opinions like divorced agony aunts, who tell others how to lead a happy married life!
(http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2007/7/16741.html)
Battle for Thoppigala - 2007 - Eelam War IV
Barons Cap or famously known Thoppigala is a jungle area in Batticaloa close to the Polannaruwa district border, 220km east of Colombo. LTTE's largest camp in the east, which is called the Beirut base is located in this region. This base had been the heart of LTTE operations in Batticaloa sector for a long time.
The Sri Lanka Security Forces’ capture of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) stronghold at Vakarai on January 19, 2007 and later the areas around including Verugal, and the subsequent opening of the Trincomalee-Batticaloa road to the government control, marked the end of an important phase in the Eelam War-4. Before that, The Sri Lankan military recaptured the area of Muttur on August 6th, 2006, which had been under LTTE control for years. The battle of Sampoor, close to Muttur, lasted nearly a month. The SLA gained control of the area on September 4th, 2006 after heavy fighting. The Special Task Force also known as the STF was involved in the operation that captured the Kangikadaichi Aru LTTE military complex during the first week of January 2007.
The Vakarai operation was a part of the overall strategy of the Army Commander Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka to “cut down the LTTE to size” in the North and East. Sarath Fonseka has said that the LTTE would be driven out of the Eastern province "so that civilians could pursue their daily lives peacefully." "After eradicating the Tigers from the East, full strength would be used to rescue the North," he added.
For the first time since the ceasefire in 2002, the SLAF was militarily in a dominant position in 2006/2007. The series of its successes against LTTE has boosted the SLAF image and morale. There was a perceptible swing in Sinhala public support for continuing the war against LTTE. The Eelam War-4 in the last three months has exposed LTTE's limitations. It has sacrificed 800-1000 cadres in this spell of war; that is nearly 10 to 12 per cent of its strength.
In April 2007, the Sri lnkan troops captured the strategic A5 highway which was under LTTE control for ther last 15 years. The LTTE's already diminishing prescence in the east was reduced to a mere 140 square kilometres of jungle land in Thoppigala.
Barans Cap or famously known Thoppigala is a jungle area in Batticaloa close to the Polannaruwa district border, 220km east of Colombo. LTTE's largest camp in the east, which is called the Beirut base is located in this region. This base had been the heart of LTTE operations in Batticaloa sector for a long time.
After the loss of a number of LTTE localities between Thoppigala and Batticaloa, LTTE cadres at Thoppigala are cut off from outside resources. They were running short of food, medical supplies and probably heavy weapons and ammunition.
By June 2007, The troops had reached the final stage of the Thoppigala battle which has been fought since February 25, in different stages in the West and South of Batticaloa.
The first stage of the battle was to create a link from Kohombagastalawa on the Ampara - Maha Oya road to Vaunathivu via Unnichciya tank, Pavakkudichenai. Two Commando troops supported by 7 Sri Lanka Light Infantry and 6,7,8 Gemunu Watch launched this operation in February.
Then they made a tactical move, capturing Chenkaladi - Maha Oya A-5 road along with Karadiyanaru, Rugam on April 12.
With the capture of these areas in the West of Batticaloa, nearly 125,000 people came under the control of Security Forces and the Government initiated resettlement of the displaced civilian was completed last Wednesday.
The main battle to flush out the Tiger cadres in Thoppigala started only after the troops captured Chenkaladi-Maha Oya road.
The task before the troops engaged in this operation was to clear the jungle patch bordering A-5 road from the East, Polonnaruwa Batticaloa road from the North, Maha Oya from the South and the Aralaganwila and Vadamunai from the South.
The troops engaged in this operation have been able to reduce the number of Tiger cadres in the entire Thoppigala area to 200 to 250.
According to field commanders 1,400 to 1,500 cadres were in the South and West of Batticaloa prior to the commencement of this operation and after the completion of the Vakarai operation in January.
More than 600 cadres, many from Batticaloa region left the organisation since the eruption of battles, and reunited with their families.
With many Tiger cadres leaving the organisation Jeyam, Nagesh and Ramesh leading the Tiger battle in Thoppigala jungles were making desperate attempts to keep these Tiger cadres under their fold.
According to Security Officials the Tiger outfit was making desperate attempts to flee Thoppigala possibly with the support of a sea movement from the Mullaitivu as they were making their retreat towards the lagoon.
Many other cadres were fleeing towards Wanni crossing the Polonnaruwa Batticaloa road from Vakaneri taking cover in the thick jungles in Trikonamadu, Angodavilluwa.
Amidst this desperate attempts by the Tiger cadres to flee the area, troops were moving towards the Narakamulla, Tharavilkulam where the Tiger outfit was having their main military and training bases.
Lt. Col. Jayampathi Thillekeratne, Commanding Officer of the Eight Gemunu Watch was giving instructions to Alpha and Charly Company to link their troops operating in small groups to create a front in Kotiyagala, another rock ahead of the Samanalayanadi Poothaddi.
Maj. Uditha Bandara, Commanding Office of the 2 Commando Regiment was also busy checking with his troops whether the targets has been correctly taken. He checks the result through his communications set from the Commando troops operating ahead of the defence line created by the troops attached to 8 GW, 7 GW and 6 GW.
On 10th of June 2007 SL army troops overran four LTTE camps in Pankudaweli North, and Naarakmulla South, Military sources said. Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Smarasinghe said, that four LTTE camps at, Ibbanvila, Akkarathivu, Mawadi-ode, and Veppanveli have been captured by SL Army troops.
Although the offensive met almost no LTTE resistance in early days, it came under heavy LTTE counterattacks in the later stage. LTTE offered fierce resistance when troops attempted to capture the final LTTE defense line (near Narakamulla east) on the 19th June.
The FDL was fortified with 6 bunkers and 3 minor camps. Even after a heavy barrage of artillery and tank fire at the FDL, LTTE had not vacated their positions.
The LTTE was taken by surprise by army's next move. Nearly 50 soldiers of the Commando regiment stormed into LTTE bunkers and opened fire on defending terrorists. In a few seconds, the entire situation of the battle changed. LTTE cadres who initially had the upper hand of the battle were now trapped inside their own bunker line.
This devastating commando raid left 30 terrorists dead. 03 LTTE cadres had committed suicide during the battle. In contrast to heavy LTTE casualties, only 4 commando personnel received injuries.
"Over 30 LTTE cadres were killed during the battle, and the troops have found eight dead bodies so far", Brigadier Smarasinghe said. Military sources from the east said, three of the LTTE cadres committed suicide when the army charged ahead. Same sources said many more LTTE bodies have been seen lying in the ground but yet to be collected.
One soldier was killed and 17 others sustained injuries during the battle.
The army during the subsequent search found 06 Multi Purpose Machine Guns (MPMG), 21 T-56 assault riffles, 04 Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) launchers, and a large quantity of Anti Personnel (AP) mines and Ammunition.
On June 21st, Sri Lanka’s military spokesman Brig Prasad Samarasinghe said the troops have captured over 95 per cent of the LTTE-held areas in the Eastern Batticaloa district and was closing in on the last base of LTTE in the eastern Thoppigala jungles.
He said, ''43 LTTE cadres from the Thoppigala jungles have surrendered since April to the security forces who were in the process of capturing the LTTE Thoppigala base within the next few days.'' Brig Samarasinghe said 188 rebels have been killed during the operation to capture Thoppigala jungles since April adding that only nine soldiers had been killed so far in this operation.
On 22nd of June Sri Lankan soldiers found 15 decomposing bodies of Tamil Tiger fighters in jungles of Thoppigala with six T-56 (assault rifles), 96 anti-personnel land mines and some other weapons.
Advancing troops in Thoppigala area detected the largest ever single fleet of vehicles abandoned by the LTTE. Troops in Narakamulla, Taravikulam and surrounding areas in Thoppigala were able to detect six double cabs, four vans, seven tractors with trailers, fifteen trailers, nine Canter lorries, nineteen motorbikes and two bowsers, a senior military official said.
A camp where LTTE conscripts and abductees have suffered immense torture after confining them to cells, 'torture chambers', was detected by the troops on 28th of June. The Army was advancing further into the centre of Thoppigala jungles across Narakamulla and Taravikulam.
Few metres away from the camp was a brand new luxurious Nissan Sunny car, said to have been used by one of the LTTE top ranks and now left behind before Tigers ran away as the troops marched on.
The car with all new gadgetry and sophisticated equipment was found from Veppavadduan area in the general area of Narakamulla, Thoppigala.
In the morning of Thursday the 28th of June, Security forces personnel confronted with a group of tigers who were fleeing the fightings in Thoppigala. The confrontation took place at west of Mavil Aru in Trincomalee district and killed 11 LTTE cadres. Defence sources further said, in a subsequent search operation a stock of T-56 weapons, three hand grenades and a radio uncovered from the surrounding where the confrontation took place.
(http://www.lankalibrary.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=3542&sid=ef21a8f416ec47c99a9d0a70c7d2240c)
The Sri Lanka Security Forces’ capture of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) stronghold at Vakarai on January 19, 2007 and later the areas around including Verugal, and the subsequent opening of the Trincomalee-Batticaloa road to the government control, marked the end of an important phase in the Eelam War-4. Before that, The Sri Lankan military recaptured the area of Muttur on August 6th, 2006, which had been under LTTE control for years. The battle of Sampoor, close to Muttur, lasted nearly a month. The SLA gained control of the area on September 4th, 2006 after heavy fighting. The Special Task Force also known as the STF was involved in the operation that captured the Kangikadaichi Aru LTTE military complex during the first week of January 2007.
The Vakarai operation was a part of the overall strategy of the Army Commander Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka to “cut down the LTTE to size” in the North and East. Sarath Fonseka has said that the LTTE would be driven out of the Eastern province "so that civilians could pursue their daily lives peacefully." "After eradicating the Tigers from the East, full strength would be used to rescue the North," he added.
For the first time since the ceasefire in 2002, the SLAF was militarily in a dominant position in 2006/2007. The series of its successes against LTTE has boosted the SLAF image and morale. There was a perceptible swing in Sinhala public support for continuing the war against LTTE. The Eelam War-4 in the last three months has exposed LTTE's limitations. It has sacrificed 800-1000 cadres in this spell of war; that is nearly 10 to 12 per cent of its strength.
In April 2007, the Sri lnkan troops captured the strategic A5 highway which was under LTTE control for ther last 15 years. The LTTE's already diminishing prescence in the east was reduced to a mere 140 square kilometres of jungle land in Thoppigala.
Barans Cap or famously known Thoppigala is a jungle area in Batticaloa close to the Polannaruwa district border, 220km east of Colombo. LTTE's largest camp in the east, which is called the Beirut base is located in this region. This base had been the heart of LTTE operations in Batticaloa sector for a long time.
After the loss of a number of LTTE localities between Thoppigala and Batticaloa, LTTE cadres at Thoppigala are cut off from outside resources. They were running short of food, medical supplies and probably heavy weapons and ammunition.
By June 2007, The troops had reached the final stage of the Thoppigala battle which has been fought since February 25, in different stages in the West and South of Batticaloa.
The first stage of the battle was to create a link from Kohombagastalawa on the Ampara - Maha Oya road to Vaunathivu via Unnichciya tank, Pavakkudichenai. Two Commando troops supported by 7 Sri Lanka Light Infantry and 6,7,8 Gemunu Watch launched this operation in February.
Then they made a tactical move, capturing Chenkaladi - Maha Oya A-5 road along with Karadiyanaru, Rugam on April 12.
With the capture of these areas in the West of Batticaloa, nearly 125,000 people came under the control of Security Forces and the Government initiated resettlement of the displaced civilian was completed last Wednesday.
The main battle to flush out the Tiger cadres in Thoppigala started only after the troops captured Chenkaladi-Maha Oya road.
The task before the troops engaged in this operation was to clear the jungle patch bordering A-5 road from the East, Polonnaruwa Batticaloa road from the North, Maha Oya from the South and the Aralaganwila and Vadamunai from the South.
The troops engaged in this operation have been able to reduce the number of Tiger cadres in the entire Thoppigala area to 200 to 250.
According to field commanders 1,400 to 1,500 cadres were in the South and West of Batticaloa prior to the commencement of this operation and after the completion of the Vakarai operation in January.
More than 600 cadres, many from Batticaloa region left the organisation since the eruption of battles, and reunited with their families.
With many Tiger cadres leaving the organisation Jeyam, Nagesh and Ramesh leading the Tiger battle in Thoppigala jungles were making desperate attempts to keep these Tiger cadres under their fold.
According to Security Officials the Tiger outfit was making desperate attempts to flee Thoppigala possibly with the support of a sea movement from the Mullaitivu as they were making their retreat towards the lagoon.
Many other cadres were fleeing towards Wanni crossing the Polonnaruwa Batticaloa road from Vakaneri taking cover in the thick jungles in Trikonamadu, Angodavilluwa.
Amidst this desperate attempts by the Tiger cadres to flee the area, troops were moving towards the Narakamulla, Tharavilkulam where the Tiger outfit was having their main military and training bases.
Lt. Col. Jayampathi Thillekeratne, Commanding Officer of the Eight Gemunu Watch was giving instructions to Alpha and Charly Company to link their troops operating in small groups to create a front in Kotiyagala, another rock ahead of the Samanalayanadi Poothaddi.
Maj. Uditha Bandara, Commanding Office of the 2 Commando Regiment was also busy checking with his troops whether the targets has been correctly taken. He checks the result through his communications set from the Commando troops operating ahead of the defence line created by the troops attached to 8 GW, 7 GW and 6 GW.
On 10th of June 2007 SL army troops overran four LTTE camps in Pankudaweli North, and Naarakmulla South, Military sources said. Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Smarasinghe said, that four LTTE camps at, Ibbanvila, Akkarathivu, Mawadi-ode, and Veppanveli have been captured by SL Army troops.
Although the offensive met almost no LTTE resistance in early days, it came under heavy LTTE counterattacks in the later stage. LTTE offered fierce resistance when troops attempted to capture the final LTTE defense line (near Narakamulla east) on the 19th June.
The FDL was fortified with 6 bunkers and 3 minor camps. Even after a heavy barrage of artillery and tank fire at the FDL, LTTE had not vacated their positions.
The LTTE was taken by surprise by army's next move. Nearly 50 soldiers of the Commando regiment stormed into LTTE bunkers and opened fire on defending terrorists. In a few seconds, the entire situation of the battle changed. LTTE cadres who initially had the upper hand of the battle were now trapped inside their own bunker line.
This devastating commando raid left 30 terrorists dead. 03 LTTE cadres had committed suicide during the battle. In contrast to heavy LTTE casualties, only 4 commando personnel received injuries.
"Over 30 LTTE cadres were killed during the battle, and the troops have found eight dead bodies so far", Brigadier Smarasinghe said. Military sources from the east said, three of the LTTE cadres committed suicide when the army charged ahead. Same sources said many more LTTE bodies have been seen lying in the ground but yet to be collected.
One soldier was killed and 17 others sustained injuries during the battle.
The army during the subsequent search found 06 Multi Purpose Machine Guns (MPMG), 21 T-56 assault riffles, 04 Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) launchers, and a large quantity of Anti Personnel (AP) mines and Ammunition.
On June 21st, Sri Lanka’s military spokesman Brig Prasad Samarasinghe said the troops have captured over 95 per cent of the LTTE-held areas in the Eastern Batticaloa district and was closing in on the last base of LTTE in the eastern Thoppigala jungles.
He said, ''43 LTTE cadres from the Thoppigala jungles have surrendered since April to the security forces who were in the process of capturing the LTTE Thoppigala base within the next few days.'' Brig Samarasinghe said 188 rebels have been killed during the operation to capture Thoppigala jungles since April adding that only nine soldiers had been killed so far in this operation.
On 22nd of June Sri Lankan soldiers found 15 decomposing bodies of Tamil Tiger fighters in jungles of Thoppigala with six T-56 (assault rifles), 96 anti-personnel land mines and some other weapons.
Advancing troops in Thoppigala area detected the largest ever single fleet of vehicles abandoned by the LTTE. Troops in Narakamulla, Taravikulam and surrounding areas in Thoppigala were able to detect six double cabs, four vans, seven tractors with trailers, fifteen trailers, nine Canter lorries, nineteen motorbikes and two bowsers, a senior military official said.
A camp where LTTE conscripts and abductees have suffered immense torture after confining them to cells, 'torture chambers', was detected by the troops on 28th of June. The Army was advancing further into the centre of Thoppigala jungles across Narakamulla and Taravikulam.
Few metres away from the camp was a brand new luxurious Nissan Sunny car, said to have been used by one of the LTTE top ranks and now left behind before Tigers ran away as the troops marched on.
The car with all new gadgetry and sophisticated equipment was found from Veppavadduan area in the general area of Narakamulla, Thoppigala.
In the morning of Thursday the 28th of June, Security forces personnel confronted with a group of tigers who were fleeing the fightings in Thoppigala. The confrontation took place at west of Mavil Aru in Trincomalee district and killed 11 LTTE cadres. Defence sources further said, in a subsequent search operation a stock of T-56 weapons, three hand grenades and a radio uncovered from the surrounding where the confrontation took place.
(http://www.lankalibrary.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=3542&sid=ef21a8f416ec47c99a9d0a70c7d2240c)
LTTE to lose revenue sources in Thoppigala
The LTTE will lose one of its major income generating sources after they lose Thoppigala jungles where they conducted businesses including cannabis plantations, Security Forces personnel engaged in the Thoppigala battle said.
Troops are now engaged in the humanitarian mission to liberate thousands of paddy acres which were forcibly taken by the LTTE after chasing the farmers away from their lands, General Officer Commanding the 23 Division of the Sri Lanka Army Major General Daya Ratnayaka said.
"In addition to cultivating paddy lands forcibly taken from innocent civilians, the Security Forces have observed that the LTTE was engaged in many other illegal activities within the Thoppigala jungles like cannabis cultivation and illicit timber felling," Major General Ratnayaka added.
The LTTE also takes ransom from civilians employed in brick production and other legal industries.
"The LTTE tried their best to prevent the Security Forces advancing to the Thoppigala jungles but we thwarted all their attempts," he said.
The troops are now advancing towards Narakamulla area where the LTTE is having their major training and military bases such as 4:9 base and the Beirut camp.
So far nearly 300 Tiger cadres have been killed during this operation to capture the Thoppigala jungles stretching the border between Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts.
Brigade Commander of the 232 Brigade in Sittandi, Lt. Colonel. Priyantha Napagoda said many LTTE cadres were surrendering to the Security Forces after crossing the lagoon in Santhiveli area.
"The Security Forces thwarted several attempts by the LTTE to break the defences in Sittandi area including their failed attempt to capture four Army camps Mavadivembu, Chenkaladi, Sittandi and Vantharamoolai a few months back," Lt. Col. Napagoda said.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070623_01)
Troops are now engaged in the humanitarian mission to liberate thousands of paddy acres which were forcibly taken by the LTTE after chasing the farmers away from their lands, General Officer Commanding the 23 Division of the Sri Lanka Army Major General Daya Ratnayaka said.
"In addition to cultivating paddy lands forcibly taken from innocent civilians, the Security Forces have observed that the LTTE was engaged in many other illegal activities within the Thoppigala jungles like cannabis cultivation and illicit timber felling," Major General Ratnayaka added.
The LTTE also takes ransom from civilians employed in brick production and other legal industries.
"The LTTE tried their best to prevent the Security Forces advancing to the Thoppigala jungles but we thwarted all their attempts," he said.
The troops are now advancing towards Narakamulla area where the LTTE is having their major training and military bases such as 4:9 base and the Beirut camp.
So far nearly 300 Tiger cadres have been killed during this operation to capture the Thoppigala jungles stretching the border between Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts.
Brigade Commander of the 232 Brigade in Sittandi, Lt. Colonel. Priyantha Napagoda said many LTTE cadres were surrendering to the Security Forces after crossing the lagoon in Santhiveli area.
"The Security Forces thwarted several attempts by the LTTE to break the defences in Sittandi area including their failed attempt to capture four Army camps Mavadivembu, Chenkaladi, Sittandi and Vantharamoolai a few months back," Lt. Col. Napagoda said.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070623_01)
LTTE 'torture chambers' located - Thoppigala
A terrorist camp where LTTE conscripts and abductees have suffered immense torture after confining them to cells was the latest detection by the troops of the Army now advancing further into the centre of Thoppigala jungles across Narakamulla and Taravikulam.
few metres away from the camp was a brand new luxurious Nissan Sunny car, said to have been used by one of the LTTE top ranks and now left behind before Tigers ran away as the troops marched on.
The car with all new gadgetry and sophisticated equipment was found from Veppavadduan area in the general area of Narakamulla, Thoppigala.
The detection once again re-affirmed that Tiger terrorists calling themselves as liberators of the Tamil community have been living in luxury at the expense of civil administration and peace-loving Tamil people.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070629_04)
few metres away from the camp was a brand new luxurious Nissan Sunny car, said to have been used by one of the LTTE top ranks and now left behind before Tigers ran away as the troops marched on.
The car with all new gadgetry and sophisticated equipment was found from Veppavadduan area in the general area of Narakamulla, Thoppigala.
The detection once again re-affirmed that Tiger terrorists calling themselves as liberators of the Tamil community have been living in luxury at the expense of civil administration and peace-loving Tamil people.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070629_04)
Sri Lanka says military kills three rebels
Sri Lankan troops have killed three suspected Tamil Tiger rebels in the island's embattled north and east, the defence ministry said.
Two Tamil Tiger rebels were killed in northern Vavuniya district on Friday during clashes with government troops, the military said.
Security forces also shot dead a rebel late Friday after observing some guerrilla movements across a defence line in the northeast region of Welioya, the ministry said.
There was no immediate comment from the LTTE which on Thursday marked the anniversary of their first suicide bombing staged 20 years ago.
The LTTE, fighting for an independent homeland for the tropical island's minority ethnic Tamils, have bombed military and economic targets near the airport and in the north of the nation this year.
More than 60,000 people have been killed since the conflict erupted in 1972.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070707/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrest_
070707082532&printer=1;_ylt=AovDNK9n1ZW7ODIC2p_FUcXuOrgF)
Two Tamil Tiger rebels were killed in northern Vavuniya district on Friday during clashes with government troops, the military said.
Security forces also shot dead a rebel late Friday after observing some guerrilla movements across a defence line in the northeast region of Welioya, the ministry said.
There was no immediate comment from the LTTE which on Thursday marked the anniversary of their first suicide bombing staged 20 years ago.
The LTTE, fighting for an independent homeland for the tropical island's minority ethnic Tamils, have bombed military and economic targets near the airport and in the north of the nation this year.
More than 60,000 people have been killed since the conflict erupted in 1972.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070707/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrest_
070707082532&printer=1;_ylt=AovDNK9n1ZW7ODIC2p_FUcXuOrgF)
Sri Lankan officer sentenced to death for helping rebels
Sri Lankan military court martial has sentenced to death an officer who was found guilty of colluding with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, military officials said Saturday.
The officer holding the rank of Major was arrested by the military intelligence in Colombo on Aug. 28 last year and was charged on five counts.
He was accused of passing military secrets to the rebels for money and the military tribunal found him guilty on Wednesday.
The death sentence passed on him was conveyed to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse on Friday through the Army Commander Sarath Fonseka.
Presidential officials said that the sentence will be commuted to a 20-year rigorous imprisonment.
The capital punishment is not executed in the island despite rulings are issued to hang the convicts.
(http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6210184.html)
The officer holding the rank of Major was arrested by the military intelligence in Colombo on Aug. 28 last year and was charged on five counts.
He was accused of passing military secrets to the rebels for money and the military tribunal found him guilty on Wednesday.
The death sentence passed on him was conveyed to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse on Friday through the Army Commander Sarath Fonseka.
Presidential officials said that the sentence will be commuted to a 20-year rigorous imprisonment.
The capital punishment is not executed in the island despite rulings are issued to hang the convicts.
(http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6210184.html)
Paramilitaries clash in Kommaathu'rai SLA base
A Karuna Group paramilitary member was killed and two Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) pararmilitary personnel were wounded when the two groups, attached to the Kommaathu'rai Sri Lanka Army (SLA) base in Chengkaladi in Batticaloa, clashed Wednesday evening around 5:00 p.m., Ea'raavoor Police said. The Karuna group has been harassing the EPDP, the only paramilitary group established in SLA controlled areas of both North and East, against carrying out campaign activities in Batticaloa district for the last two months.
Five Karuna group personnel entered the premises of the EPDP camp, charged grenades and fired at their house, wouding two EPDP personnel, Sivagnanam Suthaharan, 23, and Kovinthan Vishnu, 21.
Sri Lanka Army troopers providing security to both the camps had to fire at the hostile attackers to control the fight, Police said.
A Karuna Group member was killed. He is yet to be identified.
The wounded EPDP personnel were rushed to Batticaloa Teaching hospital.
Kommathu'rai SLA base is the largest camp, located between Batticaloa and Vazhaichcheanai.
The clash between the paramilitaries comes in the wake of LTTE's withdrawal of its conventional forces from its former strongholds in Batticaloa and Trincomalee and Colombo planning to conduct an election in the East.
Karuna group has banned dissemination of most editions of Tamil newspapers from Colombo in Batticaloa.
Both the EPDP and the Karuna Group personnel have been engaged in distributing their newspapers in the district from different SLA checkposts in Batticaloa city.
Five Karuna group personnel entered the premises of the EPDP camp, charged grenades and fired at their house, wouding two EPDP personnel, Sivagnanam Suthaharan, 23, and Kovinthan Vishnu, 21.
Sri Lanka Army troopers providing security to both the camps had to fire at the hostile attackers to control the fight, Police said.
A Karuna Group member was killed. He is yet to be identified.
The wounded EPDP personnel were rushed to Batticaloa Teaching hospital.
Kommathu'rai SLA base is the largest camp, located between Batticaloa and Vazhaichcheanai.
The clash between the paramilitaries comes in the wake of LTTE's withdrawal of its conventional forces from its former strongholds in Batticaloa and Trincomalee and Colombo planning to conduct an election in the East.
Karuna group has banned dissemination of most editions of Tamil newspapers from Colombo in Batticaloa.
Both the EPDP and the Karuna Group personnel have been engaged in distributing their newspapers in the district from different SLA checkposts in Batticaloa city.
3 SLA troopers killed in Vavuniya Claymore attack
Three Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troopers were killed when unknown assailants triggered a Claymore mine in Kalvi Road Vavuniya at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, sources in Vavuniya said. The soldiers were attached to the newly established SLA camp in Mathakuvaiththa Ku'lam.
The troopers were on their way to take a bath in the local irrigation tank when the claymore mine was triggered.
No other details are available.
The troopers were on their way to take a bath in the local irrigation tank when the claymore mine was triggered.
No other details are available.
SLA Major, 5 soldiers killed in Kudumpimalai
A Sri Lanka Army Major and five soldiers were killed and seven wounded Friday morning in Kudumpimalai (Thoppikkal) jungle when SLA troops confronted fighters of the Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE), according to military sources in the Eastern city of Batticaloa. In the North, 3 soldiers were killed on Thursday when fighting erupted in Vavuniyaa-Mannaar border.
10 soldiers were wounded in the fighting on Thursday between Pampaimadu and Uyilangku'lam, informed military sources said.
Military officials in Colombo claimed 15 LTTE fighters were killed in the fighting along the FDLs in Vavuniyaa on Thursday.
Wounded soldiers from Vavuniyaa border were admitted at Anuradhapura hospital.
10 soldiers were wounded in the fighting on Thursday between Pampaimadu and Uyilangku'lam, informed military sources said.
Military officials in Colombo claimed 15 LTTE fighters were killed in the fighting along the FDLs in Vavuniyaa on Thursday.
Wounded soldiers from Vavuniyaa border were admitted at Anuradhapura hospital.
Forces on the lookout for more explosive laden lorries
The security forces were on high alert after the discovery of another explosive laden lorry in Trincomalee on Friday. This was the second such lorry detected by the security forces within the month of June. The Navy acting on a tip off apprehended a freezer truck which was transporting fish from Trincomalee to Colombo.
The lorry was laden with C-4 high explosives weighing over 1,000 kilograms. The driver of the vehicle, a resident of Point Pedro, Jaffna was apprehended and handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department for further interrogation while the owner of the lorry is believed to have fled to India according to police sources.
A similar detention was made by Police at Kotavehera in Kurunegala on June 1. The lorry detained in Kurunagala was also packed with over 1000 kilograms of C-4 explosives.
The quantity of explosives packed into each of these two lorries were nearly as double as to the amount used by the LTTE in the Central Bank bombing in 1996, which devastated the commercial hub of Colombo.
(http://www.nation.lk/2007/07/01/news6.htm)
The lorry was laden with C-4 high explosives weighing over 1,000 kilograms. The driver of the vehicle, a resident of Point Pedro, Jaffna was apprehended and handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department for further interrogation while the owner of the lorry is believed to have fled to India according to police sources.
A similar detention was made by Police at Kotavehera in Kurunegala on June 1. The lorry detained in Kurunagala was also packed with over 1000 kilograms of C-4 explosives.
The quantity of explosives packed into each of these two lorries were nearly as double as to the amount used by the LTTE in the Central Bank bombing in 1996, which devastated the commercial hub of Colombo.
(http://www.nation.lk/2007/07/01/news6.htm)
STF shoots dead 2 Tamil youths in Poththuvil
Two Tamil youths were shot dead by Special Task Force (STF) in Mukalikkadai in Poththuvil Police division in Amparai district on Thursday early morning. Police claimed that STF laid an ambush on a tip off that LTTE cadres were moving from Kaagnchirangkudaa through Mukalikkadai.
The bodies have been transferred to the Amparai General Hospital, hospital sources said.
Police said that they have contacted ICRC and Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) to hand over the bodies to LTTE,Pothuthuvil Police said.
LTTE has not commented on the incident.
The bodies have been transferred to the Amparai General Hospital, hospital sources said.
Police said that they have contacted ICRC and Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) to hand over the bodies to LTTE,Pothuthuvil Police said.
LTTE has not commented on the incident.
Shanthan gave 4 billion pounds to LTTE, says UK Police
Westminster Magistrate Court has ordered the officers to freeze all bank accounts of A.C. Shanthan- President of the British Tamil Association which is a Pro- LTTE organization and his wife yesterday. The court also rejected the appeal which sought bail for the suspect.
The Metropolitan Police conducting a special operation to counter terrorism command arrested Shanthan under Section 12 (3) of the UK Terrorism Act which ith prohibits "support for a terrorist organisation." Last month.
Britain's Anti- Terrorism Unit had filed 28 charges against Shanthan including extortion, operation of business enterprises, printing press and oil storages with ill-gotten wealth.
The police investigations have clarified that all involved in these enterprises are LTTE members and up to now they have earned a sum of about 4 billion sterling pounds to fund the terror movement here. The money thus earned had been utilised to purchase weapons to attack the Lankan Navy from China and Israel and other outfits.
Court was lenient on Shanthan's wife and permitted her to withdraw funds only for urgent reasons with the permission of the Police and to produce receipts of all such purchases to the Anti- Terrorism Unit for scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Lambert who was arrested along with Shanthan is under house arrest. Lambert was arrested on charges of kidnapping for ransom and extortion.
Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar, also known as A.C. Shanthan, 50, of Upwood Road, Norbury, and 29-year-old Goldan Lambert, of Bramley Hill, south Croydon, are accused of giving support to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
These two suspects were the leading participants at rally held at Hyde Park last July at which cutouts of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran were displayed on the stage and flags with the LTTE emblem were flown.
(http://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2823&Itemid=44)
The Metropolitan Police conducting a special operation to counter terrorism command arrested Shanthan under Section 12 (3) of the UK Terrorism Act which ith prohibits "support for a terrorist organisation." Last month.
Britain's Anti- Terrorism Unit had filed 28 charges against Shanthan including extortion, operation of business enterprises, printing press and oil storages with ill-gotten wealth.
The police investigations have clarified that all involved in these enterprises are LTTE members and up to now they have earned a sum of about 4 billion sterling pounds to fund the terror movement here. The money thus earned had been utilised to purchase weapons to attack the Lankan Navy from China and Israel and other outfits.
Court was lenient on Shanthan's wife and permitted her to withdraw funds only for urgent reasons with the permission of the Police and to produce receipts of all such purchases to the Anti- Terrorism Unit for scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Lambert who was arrested along with Shanthan is under house arrest. Lambert was arrested on charges of kidnapping for ransom and extortion.
Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar, also known as A.C. Shanthan, 50, of Upwood Road, Norbury, and 29-year-old Goldan Lambert, of Bramley Hill, south Croydon, are accused of giving support to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
These two suspects were the leading participants at rally held at Hyde Park last July at which cutouts of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran were displayed on the stage and flags with the LTTE emblem were flown.
(http://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2823&Itemid=44)
LTTE artillery hits SLA positions : Thoppigala
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fired their long range artillery at army positions in Narakamulla north today, killing at least 6 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) personnel. The positions shelled were areas recently captured by the SLA. Five soldiers and one army Major were killed in the incident.
Following the army's advance, LTTE had moved their long range weapons including mortars and MBRLs to a location west of Thoppigala. LTTE is known to operate at least 2 6-barreled Multiple Rocket Launchers and at least 4 120MM Mortar launchers in the eastern province. 120MM mortars (nicknamed 'arti mortar') have a range of 7-10KM and the mortar shell is known to inflict heavy splash damage on impact.
(http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2007/07/ltte-artillery-hits-sla-positions.html)
Following the army's advance, LTTE had moved their long range weapons including mortars and MBRLs to a location west of Thoppigala. LTTE is known to operate at least 2 6-barreled Multiple Rocket Launchers and at least 4 120MM Mortar launchers in the eastern province. 120MM mortars (nicknamed 'arti mortar') have a range of 7-10KM and the mortar shell is known to inflict heavy splash damage on impact.
(http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2007/07/ltte-artillery-hits-sla-positions.html)
Indian army didn't want to take Toppigala: Gen Mehta
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), which battled the LTTE in North-East Sri Lanka from July 1987 to March 1990, did conduct operations in the Thoppigala jungles, but made no attempt to occupy the area because it had no strategic significance, a former area commander, Maj Gen Ashok Mehta told Hindustan Times on Thursday.
Gen Mehta's remarks are significant in the context of a claim by the Sri Lankan Defence spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Wednesday, that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops.
"Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!" Gen.Mehta, who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Amparai, said.
But this was contradicted by the LTTE's military spokesman, Rasaiah Ilanthirayan, who told an Australian radio station, that the IPKF had set up camps in Thoppigala.
Cost of occupation
Taking and retaining Thoppigala will be costly, both in men and material, independent military experts say. But since the Sri Lankan government is hell bent on militarily defeating the LTTE, it would go ahead regardless of the cost, they added.
Ilanthirayan had told Tamilnet recently, that the Sri Lankan Army was walking into a "trap" as the LTTE's withdrawals were "strategic" in nature.
He admitted that the Sri Lankan Army had entered the Thoppigala area, but maintained that only the future would be able to say if the government's assertions were well founded. As regards the LTTE's plans he said: "At the moment we can only say that we are recasting our plans for the East."
Lankan army gung ho
However, the Sri Lankan Army is gung ho about its achievements and prospects.
"We have already taken 700 sq.km of Thoppigala, and have only about 7 to 8 km to go before the whole place is under our control," said Army spokesman, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, on Thursday.
But independent military observers say that the progress has been slow. There is stiff resistance by the LTTE and the terrain has been difficult. "If it is a walk over, why the did the Air Force pound the area on Wednesday and Thursday?" asked Iqbal Athas of The Sunday Times.
However, no one disputes the claim that taking Thoppigala is only a matter of time, given the manpower and the weaponry with the Army. In contrast, there are only about 400 ill-equipped LTTE there.
Political compulsions
Observers feel that the need to take Thoppigala is political rather than military. The government's aim seems to be to take it by July 26, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa plans to celebrate the conquest of the entire East, covering a total of 5200 sq km, "something which has never happened before," as Brig.Samarasinghe said.
There are plans to follow this up by holding "free and fair" local elections without the interference of LTTE terrorists and thus get the plaudits of the moderate Tamils.
In July-end, Rajapaksa will be presenting the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party's plans for the country in the form of document, which is eagerly awaited because he is facing mounting challenges. There is a revolt in his party, albeit incipient. There is heightened activity of the opposition parties and increasing international censure for human rights violations.
(http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=0ada5972-6a7c-4ec5-98d0-508f411e7f66)
Gen Mehta's remarks are significant in the context of a claim by the Sri Lankan Defence spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Wednesday, that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops.
"Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities. But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!" Gen.Mehta, who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Amparai, said.
But this was contradicted by the LTTE's military spokesman, Rasaiah Ilanthirayan, who told an Australian radio station, that the IPKF had set up camps in Thoppigala.
Cost of occupation
Taking and retaining Thoppigala will be costly, both in men and material, independent military experts say. But since the Sri Lankan government is hell bent on militarily defeating the LTTE, it would go ahead regardless of the cost, they added.
Ilanthirayan had told Tamilnet recently, that the Sri Lankan Army was walking into a "trap" as the LTTE's withdrawals were "strategic" in nature.
He admitted that the Sri Lankan Army had entered the Thoppigala area, but maintained that only the future would be able to say if the government's assertions were well founded. As regards the LTTE's plans he said: "At the moment we can only say that we are recasting our plans for the East."
Lankan army gung ho
However, the Sri Lankan Army is gung ho about its achievements and prospects.
"We have already taken 700 sq.km of Thoppigala, and have only about 7 to 8 km to go before the whole place is under our control," said Army spokesman, Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, on Thursday.
But independent military observers say that the progress has been slow. There is stiff resistance by the LTTE and the terrain has been difficult. "If it is a walk over, why the did the Air Force pound the area on Wednesday and Thursday?" asked Iqbal Athas of The Sunday Times.
However, no one disputes the claim that taking Thoppigala is only a matter of time, given the manpower and the weaponry with the Army. In contrast, there are only about 400 ill-equipped LTTE there.
Political compulsions
Observers feel that the need to take Thoppigala is political rather than military. The government's aim seems to be to take it by July 26, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa plans to celebrate the conquest of the entire East, covering a total of 5200 sq km, "something which has never happened before," as Brig.Samarasinghe said.
There are plans to follow this up by holding "free and fair" local elections without the interference of LTTE terrorists and thus get the plaudits of the moderate Tamils.
In July-end, Rajapaksa will be presenting the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party's plans for the country in the form of document, which is eagerly awaited because he is facing mounting challenges. There is a revolt in his party, albeit incipient. There is heightened activity of the opposition parties and increasing international censure for human rights violations.
(http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=0ada5972-6a7c-4ec5-98d0-508f411e7f66)
LTTE `torture chambers` located - Thoppigala
Next to these quarters were the locations where 600 Tamil / Muslim policemen were executed in 1991.
LTTE is a known terrorist organization that is banned in India, USA, UK, Canada, and Australia for its activities in executing politicians and civilians in Sri Lanka. The organization began as a group fighting for minority Tamils in Sri Lanka but soon transitioned to a murderous terrorist group by eliminating all other Tamil rebel groups and politicians.
Former IPKF Major General says Thoppigala area has no strategic significance
A former area commander, Maj. Gen. Ashok Mehta of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), which was in Sri Lanka from July 1987 to March 1990 said that IPKF made no attempt to occupy the Thoppigala area because it had no strategic significance.
“Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities,” Maj. Gen Metha told media.
“But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!” Gen. Mehta who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Ampara said.
Yesterday, Sri Lanka government defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops.
Currently, government troops are advancing towards to capture Thoppigala, and military claimed that within few days, the entire Thoppigala area will come under military control.
(http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/July5180708JV.html)
“Thoppigala was a vast jungle area which did not lie on any major line of communication. It was basically a hide out for the LTTE. It had hospitals, prisons and training camps. I have personally led operations to destroy these facilities,” Maj. Gen Metha told media.
“But we always came back to base, as there was no need to occupy the area. There was nothing to occupy!” Gen. Mehta who led Indian troops in the Eastern districts of Batticaloa and Ampara said.
Yesterday, Sri Lanka government defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella that the IPKF could not occupy Thoppigala even though it had deployed 20,000 troops.
Currently, government troops are advancing towards to capture Thoppigala, and military claimed that within few days, the entire Thoppigala area will come under military control.
(http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/July5180708JV.html)
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Sri Lanka Tigers honour 322 suicide bombers
Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels on Thursday commemorated the 20th anniversary of their first-ever suicide bombing by honouring 322 fighters who have staged such deadly attacks.
The suicide attacks by the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) started when a guerrilla known as Captain Miller drove a truck bomb into soldiers killing 40 on the Jaffna peninsula on July 5, 1987.
The pro-rebel Puthinam.com website said 322 members of the elite "Black Tiger" suicide squads had perished in attacks since then and that the group had deployed 61 suicide bombers in the past year alone.
Puthinam.com said 241 of the suicide bombers were killed in sea-going attacks while the others died in land-based blasts.
The guerrillas held Hindu religious services in rebel-held territory Thursday to invoke blessings on the Black Tigers, regarded by Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, 52, as the group's protective armour.
The deadliest Black Tiger attack occurred last October 16 when Tigers drove a truck bomb into a transit point where 350 sailors were waiting to board buses in north-central Sri Lanka. At least 116 of them were killed.
Sri Lanka troops and police stepped up their already tight security arrangements in the run-up to the Black Tiger anniversary which comes amid an upsurge of fighting in the tropical island that began in late 2005.
"Measures are underway to heighten our alert during the Black Tiger week," police spokesman Senior Deputy Inspector General Jayantha Wickramaratne said. "We are taking all measures to eliminate the risk of terrorist attacks."
"We are also seeking public cooperation for information regarding suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods."
The Tamil Tigers are fighting for an independent homeland for the minority ethnic Tamils on the majority Sinhalese island. The 35-year-old conflict has claimed more than 60,000 lives.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070705/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestsuicide_
070705073411&printer=1;_ylt=An1aGBvhaUQZAardfuaeqOHuOrgF)
The suicide attacks by the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) started when a guerrilla known as Captain Miller drove a truck bomb into soldiers killing 40 on the Jaffna peninsula on July 5, 1987.
The pro-rebel Puthinam.com website said 322 members of the elite "Black Tiger" suicide squads had perished in attacks since then and that the group had deployed 61 suicide bombers in the past year alone.
Puthinam.com said 241 of the suicide bombers were killed in sea-going attacks while the others died in land-based blasts.
The guerrillas held Hindu religious services in rebel-held territory Thursday to invoke blessings on the Black Tigers, regarded by Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, 52, as the group's protective armour.
The deadliest Black Tiger attack occurred last October 16 when Tigers drove a truck bomb into a transit point where 350 sailors were waiting to board buses in north-central Sri Lanka. At least 116 of them were killed.
Sri Lanka troops and police stepped up their already tight security arrangements in the run-up to the Black Tiger anniversary which comes amid an upsurge of fighting in the tropical island that began in late 2005.
"Measures are underway to heighten our alert during the Black Tiger week," police spokesman Senior Deputy Inspector General Jayantha Wickramaratne said. "We are taking all measures to eliminate the risk of terrorist attacks."
"We are also seeking public cooperation for information regarding suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods."
The Tamil Tigers are fighting for an independent homeland for the minority ethnic Tamils on the majority Sinhalese island. The 35-year-old conflict has claimed more than 60,000 lives.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070705/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrestsuicide_
070705073411&printer=1;_ylt=An1aGBvhaUQZAardfuaeqOHuOrgF)
Sri Lankan soldiers search a vehicle near Independence Square in Colombo.
Sri Lankan soldiers search a vehicle near Independence Square in Colombo. At least three people were killed in fresh violence in Sri Lanka as the Tamil Tigers commemorated 322 suicide bombers who have blown themselves up in the past 20 years.(AFP/Sanka Vidanagama)
Sri Lanka says Red Cross killers in rebel area
Sri Lankan police have identified suspects in the abduction and murder of two minority Tamil Red Cross volunteers, but they have fled into terrain controlled by Tamil Tiger rebels, the government said on Wednesday.
The corpses of the two men were found a month ago dumped southeast of Colombo, two days after they were taken away by men who identified themselves as police at a train station near a high security zone in the capital.
The killings came amid a spree of abductions and murders blamed on both sides amid renewed civil war between the state and Tamil Tigers.
"The police have been able to identify the suspects who are involved in the killing of the Red Cross's two members," government minister and defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told a news briefing.
"Unfortunately they have identified them but they are not in areas where the police could move in at present ... They have gone into either Vanni or Kilinochchi," he added, referring to a swathe of northern Sri Lanka controlled by the Tigers.
He did not accuse the Tigers of killing the men, nor did he identify the suspects.
The separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam were not immediately available for comment.
The Red Cross said it was news to them.
"We should be at least informed," said Sri Lanka Red Cross Director General Neville Nanayakkara. "It was in our presence that His Excellency the President instructed the Inspector General of Police to do an investigation and find the culprits within two weeks."
Rights groups have reported hundreds of abductions and disappearances in recent months after the military and separatist Tigers resumed a two-decade civil war in which nearly 70,000 people have been killed since 1983.
Sri Lankan police have arrested 16 people, including four policemen and a member of the air force, in connection with a rash of abductions and extortion, the military said on Wednesday.
Nordic truce monitors suspect military elements were behind the execution-style murder of 17 local staff of aid agency Action Contre la Faim in the island's east last year, the worst attack against humanitarian workers since the 2003 bombing of the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad.
(http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=
2007-07-05T001157Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_India-283214-1.xml&archived=False)
The corpses of the two men were found a month ago dumped southeast of Colombo, two days after they were taken away by men who identified themselves as police at a train station near a high security zone in the capital.
The killings came amid a spree of abductions and murders blamed on both sides amid renewed civil war between the state and Tamil Tigers.
"The police have been able to identify the suspects who are involved in the killing of the Red Cross's two members," government minister and defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told a news briefing.
"Unfortunately they have identified them but they are not in areas where the police could move in at present ... They have gone into either Vanni or Kilinochchi," he added, referring to a swathe of northern Sri Lanka controlled by the Tigers.
He did not accuse the Tigers of killing the men, nor did he identify the suspects.
The separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam were not immediately available for comment.
The Red Cross said it was news to them.
"We should be at least informed," said Sri Lanka Red Cross Director General Neville Nanayakkara. "It was in our presence that His Excellency the President instructed the Inspector General of Police to do an investigation and find the culprits within two weeks."
Rights groups have reported hundreds of abductions and disappearances in recent months after the military and separatist Tigers resumed a two-decade civil war in which nearly 70,000 people have been killed since 1983.
Sri Lankan police have arrested 16 people, including four policemen and a member of the air force, in connection with a rash of abductions and extortion, the military said on Wednesday.
Nordic truce monitors suspect military elements were behind the execution-style murder of 17 local staff of aid agency Action Contre la Faim in the island's east last year, the worst attack against humanitarian workers since the 2003 bombing of the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad.
(http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=
2007-07-05T001157Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_India-283214-1.xml&archived=False)
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Sri Lankan soldiers inspect the fuel tank of a truck for explosives in Colombo
Sri Lankan soldiers inspect the fuel tank of a truck for explosives in Colombo. Sri Lankan air force jets carried out a second straight day of bombing raids against Tamil Tiger rebels positioned in jungles in the east of the island.(AFP/Sanka Vidanagama)
An army soldier stands guard in Colombo
Sri Lankan soldiers inspect the fuel tank of a truck for explosives in Colombo. Sri Lankan air force jets carried out a second straight day of bombing raids against Tamil Tiger rebels positioned in jungles in the east of the island.(AFP/Sanka Vidanagama)
An army soldier stands guard by the roadside leading to a check point in front of a billboard with Sri Lankan cricketers Lasith Malinga, Mahela Jayawardene and Muttiah Muralitharan (L-R) in Colombo July 4, 2007. Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels celebrated their suicide bomber squads on the eve of the 19th anniversary of their first attack on Wednesday, but in Colombo troops nervously scanned streets fearing new blasts. The first attack took place on July 5, 1987, when rebel Captain Miller drove a truck packed with explosives into an army camp. REUTERS/Buddhika Weerasinghe (SRI LANKA)
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
'An army marches on its stomach’
When the famed warrior Napoleon Bonaparte uttered the above words he was only drawing our attention to the reality that soldiers, like all of us, have to eat to live. By readily answering the nation’s call a fighting man may earn a badge for his bravery and sacrifice. But when the days’ hard fighting is done, the thoughts of young men, as Bonaparte observed, naturally turn to a good meal. In this picture we see some of our brave heroes preparing a quick meal in a makeshift camp in the thick jungles of Thoppigala. While a hot meal is keenly anticipated, they cannot afford to lay down their rifles for danger is ever present.
Pic by - Rukmal Gamage
STF : Pet daughters are brave women
The first batch of the Special Task Force set up in 1983, was stationed in Jaffna. With the increase in terrorist activities, the security of Ampara and Batticaloa areas were handed over to the STF, to begin operations with two bases, at Kalladi and Kalawanchikudi. Then, with the recruitment of more personnel and the establishment of more bases and camps, the security situation in the area was brought under control by the STF.
Meanwhile, terrorist activities increased day by day and information was received that the LTTE maintained a Womens Corps. Up to this point, the STF which did not have a women's wing, carried out their duties in the North and the East, obtaining the assistance of women officers of the police in carrying out search and other operations. Most of the women police officers attached to police stations in the North and the East were Tamil nationals. In this scenario, the STF high command became aware of the danger to the safety of the STF and the risk of sensitive information leaking to terrorists. The necessity of woman officers to the STF arose at this point .
The training these women receive does not differ in any way from the training given to their male counterparts, as their duties do not differ from the duties of their male colleagues. No gender bias exists under wartime conditions. The discipline-based training they receive helps them to be methodical, disciplined and courageous throughout their lives. They receive training with modern weapons like the M-16, T-56, pistols, MP 5 and T 81 mortars and hand grenades. These women obey commands instantly and carrying out any task methodically and swiftly. They can carry out their duties on a par with men.
For example, there are women STF officers on active duty in operation areas of the Batticaloa District at this moment of writing. They are carrying out the duties entrusted to them risking their lives. A STF woman leaving the camp or base for active duty amidst threats to life and limb carries a T-56 weapon, and wears a protective helmet and a chest protector. The chest protector alone weighs about 2 1/2 Kilogrammes. Their protective body armour weighs 8 - 10 Kilogrammes. Traversing the jungle terrain with their whole attention focused on the surroundings and sneak attacks by terrorists is no easy task. But, with the training they have received, these heroic women carry out their smiles as duties with smiles their faces and cheerful demeanour.
Another important task entrusted to these women is the searching civilians coming to Government-controlled areas from unliberated areas still under the LTTE. The lives of STF women are in peril during these searches. There exists a strong possibility of women terrorists being among the civilians crossing over from unliberated areas to areas under Government control. The terrorists disguised as civilians may be carrying explosive devices on their bodies, with the intention of attacking our security forces. They are capable of setting off such devices while being searched.
Among the other duties entrusted to women officers of the STF in non-operational areas are handling communications and working in the computer section. Their contributions to intelligence operations are invaluable.
Even though they carry out their duties bearing weapons like men, they are, still, small daughters who were the pets of their parents. Their hearts are still tender. Their soft hands haven't been roughened by the guns they handle,
This is one example of women's versatility: a tough minded soldier on the job, they turn into loving wives and tender, caring mothers when they are out of uniform.
(http://www.friday.lk/20070622/STFPetdaughtersP02.htm)
Monday, July 02, 2007
Members of The Civil Defence Force Successfully Confront The LTTE
AROUND 3.00 A.M. A PATROL CONSISTING of Members of The Civil Defence Force confronted a group of LTTE terrorists at THAMBALAGAMUWA, TRINCOMALEE. They confirm that the LTTE fled with heavy casualties.
A search operation was conducted after the incident and they confirm that blood stains left behind by the terrorists indicate that they had sustained heavy casualties. The items given below were recovered from the area.
01 x T 56 Assault Rifle
01 x Micro Pistol
01 x Laptop Computer
04 x Stretchers
A large quantity of Rice, Dhal and dry rations
These frequent confrontations with the Security Forces indicate that the LTTE terrorists are fleeing from the THOPPIGALA area to escape from the final onslaught by the Security Forces.
The LTTE terrorists are left with one of two alternatives. That is either face the continuing attacks or at best, surrender to the Security Forces or the Police.
A search operation is in progress in the area.
(http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=6427)
A search operation was conducted after the incident and they confirm that blood stains left behind by the terrorists indicate that they had sustained heavy casualties. The items given below were recovered from the area.
01 x T 56 Assault Rifle
01 x Micro Pistol
01 x Laptop Computer
04 x Stretchers
A large quantity of Rice, Dhal and dry rations
These frequent confrontations with the Security Forces indicate that the LTTE terrorists are fleeing from the THOPPIGALA area to escape from the final onslaught by the Security Forces.
The LTTE terrorists are left with one of two alternatives. That is either face the continuing attacks or at best, surrender to the Security Forces or the Police.
A search operation is in progress in the area.
(http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=6427)
LTTE Attacks Civil Defence Force Guard Point - Awaranthulawa, Vavuniya
The Civil Defence Force Guard point situated at Awaranthulawa, in the Vavuniya area came under attack by the LTTE at approximately 1.00 a.m. today - Wednesday the 27th of June.
This attack was launched to destroy the Civil Defence force Guard point established to safeguard the area.
Whilst two soldiers of the SL Army and one other Civil Defence Force personnel died in this attack, two personnel from SL Army and the Civil Defence Force respectively, have suffered injuries.
The injured personnel have already been admitted to the General Hospital, Vavuniya.
Meanwhile, cordon and search operations have been launched to further secure the area.
(http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=6378)
This attack was launched to destroy the Civil Defence force Guard point established to safeguard the area.
Whilst two soldiers of the SL Army and one other Civil Defence Force personnel died in this attack, two personnel from SL Army and the Civil Defence Force respectively, have suffered injuries.
The injured personnel have already been admitted to the General Hospital, Vavuniya.
Meanwhile, cordon and search operations have been launched to further secure the area.
(http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=6378)
National Homeguards disrupt a Terror movement- Thambalagamuwa
Members of the Civil Defence Force formerly known as the National Home guard confronted with a large group of LTTE terrorists at Jayapura in Thambalagamuwa early this morning (01).
According to the defense sources, the battle has erupted around 3.30a.m. The Home guards manning the 37th Duty post detected the terror movement and intercepted it at a location in between 170 and 180 mile posts on the Colombo -Trincomalee main road. The terrorists have fled the area leaving behind much of their belongings.
During the subsequent search, the troops have found one T-56 machine gun, eight Hand grenades, one Micro Pistol, one Global Positioning System (GPS), one laptop computer, and number of sacks containing rice, dhal and other food items.
Home guards suffered no casualties in the incident. Police investigations are in progress.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070701_02)
According to the defense sources, the battle has erupted around 3.30a.m. The Home guards manning the 37th Duty post detected the terror movement and intercepted it at a location in between 170 and 180 mile posts on the Colombo -Trincomalee main road. The terrorists have fled the area leaving behind much of their belongings.
During the subsequent search, the troops have found one T-56 machine gun, eight Hand grenades, one Micro Pistol, one Global Positioning System (GPS), one laptop computer, and number of sacks containing rice, dhal and other food items.
Home guards suffered no casualties in the incident. Police investigations are in progress.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070701_02)
LTTE underground hospital discovered - Thoppur
Security forces troops discovered an underground LTTE mini hospital during a search operation in Thoppur on Sunday(01), the Media Centre for the National Security (MCNS) said.
The abandoned hospital was located in the thick jungles of Pullikudiyiruppu in Thoppur during the Army-Police joint search operation, the MCNS said.
Troops also seized two stretches, used mattresses, pillows, a stock of outdated drugs, and a bowser trailer. Meanwhile, the STF recovered an arms cache on a tip-off by a civilian on Sunday in the Annamalai area, Vavuniya (14 colony), a MCNS spokesman said.
They included a T56 assault rifle, two T56 magazines and 48 T56 ammunition. In a subsequent search operation, the STF also recovered 11 anti-personnel mines in the Vavuniya area, which were defused.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070703_01)
The abandoned hospital was located in the thick jungles of Pullikudiyiruppu in Thoppur during the Army-Police joint search operation, the MCNS said.
Troops also seized two stretches, used mattresses, pillows, a stock of outdated drugs, and a bowser trailer. Meanwhile, the STF recovered an arms cache on a tip-off by a civilian on Sunday in the Annamalai area, Vavuniya (14 colony), a MCNS spokesman said.
They included a T56 assault rifle, two T56 magazines and 48 T56 ammunition. In a subsequent search operation, the STF also recovered 11 anti-personnel mines in the Vavuniya area, which were defused.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070703_01)
Sri Lanka on alert for Tiger attack anniversary
Sri Lankan soldiers catch a lift while on patrol in Batticaloa, 06 April 2007. Sri Lankan security forces are on high alert as Tamil Tiger rebels this week mark the 20th anniversary of their first-ever suicide attack with the threat of unleashing more deadly strikes.(AFP/File/Lakruwan Wanniarachchi)
SriLankan security forces are on high alert as Tamil Tiger rebels this week mark the 20th anniversary of their first-ever suicide attack with the threat of unleashing more deadly strikes.
The island's prime minister has underlined fears that the ethnic Tamil guerrillas could be planning to celebrate with a bang, following the discovery in recent weeks of two trucks, each crammed with around a tonne of explosives.
"The explosives in the truck were enough to destroy half of Colombo," Ratnasiri Wickremanayake told reporters shortly after the first truck bomb was found before it was detonated.
In their northern de facto state, the Tigers will light coconut oil lamps and hold Hindu services for at least 260 rebels -- more than a quarter of them women -- who have blown themselves up in the name of an independent homeland.
The first of these "Black Tigers" was a rebel known as Captain Miller, who drove a truck bomb into an army camp in the Jaffna peninsula on July 5, 1987, killing 40 soldiers.
Initially inspired by Islamic militants in the Middle East, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have earned a reputation as the world's deadliest suicide bombers, claiming a long string of high-profile victims.
As a result, the group has attracted widespread international condemnation -- and been designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.
Unlike their Islamic counterparts in the Al-Qaeda network, Tiger suicide operatives are driven by loyalty, and not religion. They are secular Hindus with a single-minded allegiance to their leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran.
"It is difficult to fight Black Tigers because they have no respect for life -- not even their own," said retired army general Sarath Munasinghe.
He describes the Black Tigers as a "protective armour" for the 35-year-old campaign to create a separate state for the island nation's ethnic Tamil minority.
The deadliest suicide attack took place on October 16 last year when a Black Tiger drove a truck bomb into a transit point where 350 sailors were waiting to board buses in north-central SriLanka. At least 116 of them were killed.
India banned the Tigers in 1992 after holding them responsible for the 1991 suicide bombing that killed former Indian premier Rajiv Gandhi, who as prime minister ordered Indian troops to disarm the rebels in 1987.
Twenty years on, the Tiger recruits keep coming -- and the chosen few are entertained to a last supper with the 52-year-old Prabhakaran as a high point of a short but effective military career.
Ever the masters of reinvention, the Tigers have now added an air force to their arsenal -- smuggling in light aircraft and bombing a military air base adjoining the island's only international airport in March.
"Tigers are no doubt the masters of suicide bombings," said defense analyst Namal Perera. "If they use their Black Tiger expertise with the new air wing, it could have a devastating impact on the conflict."
A retired top air force official who asked not to be named said he believed that the Tigers could soon use a flying bomb, even though up to now they have struck from the air and then flown back to their bases.
The police and armed forces are understandably nervous.
"Measures are underway to heighten our alert during the Black Tiger week," police spokesman Senior Deputy Inspector General Jayantha Wickramaratne told AFP. "We are taking all measures to eliminate the risk of terrorist attacks."
"We are also seeking public cooperation for information regarding suspicious activity in their neighborhoods."
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070703/wl_asia_afp/srilankaunrestattacks_070703030750;
_ylt=AntOSoNJSJe17g1oOGg8eXruOrgF)
LRRP attack hits LTTE escort
Sri Lanka Army's deep penetration unit detonated a claymore mine targeting a senior LTTE leader's escort last week. The target of this LRRP attack was a senior leader of the LTTE; Colonel Bhanu. 3 senior LTTE cadres were killed in this incident but Bhanu is said to have escaped unharmed.
Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) detonated a claymore mine deep inside LTTE controlled area north of Mannar targeting the LTTE convoy. Bhanu's double cab which got caught in the explosion was completely destroyed. However the primary target was not in the vehicle when the explosion occurred. 3 senior LTTE cadres who were traveling in the double can were killed instantly.
LRRP consists of highly trained soldiers of the 3rd Special Forces regiment (3SF). Successful Long Range Surveillance (LRS) and Deep Penetration Unit (DPU) missions carried out in the recent times have caused panic in LTTE ranks with LTTE leadership limiting public appearances.
(http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2007/07/lrrp-attack-hits-ltte-escort.html)
Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) detonated a claymore mine deep inside LTTE controlled area north of Mannar targeting the LTTE convoy. Bhanu's double cab which got caught in the explosion was completely destroyed. However the primary target was not in the vehicle when the explosion occurred. 3 senior LTTE cadres who were traveling in the double can were killed instantly.
LRRP consists of highly trained soldiers of the 3rd Special Forces regiment (3SF). Successful Long Range Surveillance (LRS) and Deep Penetration Unit (DPU) missions carried out in the recent times have caused panic in LTTE ranks with LTTE leadership limiting public appearances.
(http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2007/07/lrrp-attack-hits-ltte-escort.html)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Secret warriors behind Iraqi lines
An interestring Newsweek article (1991/06/17) that explains how Commando squads helped win Operation desert Storm.
The role played by special forces in the first Persian Gulf War was virtually unknown to the public.This article explains how how small man teams helped secure a swift victory for the allied forces by suckering the Iraq's army out of position,poking holes in it's air defense and slipping behind enemy lines to spy,sow dissent and destroy scud missiles.
The role played by special forces in the first Persian Gulf War was virtually unknown to the public.This article explains how how small man teams helped secure a swift victory for the allied forces by suckering the Iraq's army out of position,poking holes in it's air defense and slipping behind enemy lines to spy,sow dissent and destroy scud missiles.
Majority of “abductees” found to have returned
Chairman of the Presidential Commission to probe abductions, disappearances and killings, stated yesterday that he recommended tough action against policemen who had failed to take action to the complaint of abductions and disappearances.
Former High Court Judge, Mahanama Tillakaratne, who headed the commission detailing it’s findings, which was presented to the President recently, stated at a press briefing that that sometimes the police had been evasive in recording complaints. The High Court Judge stated that it was his observation that the police were in a ‘deep slumber’. According to the evidence before the commission some complaints had not been recorded even after the complaints had come to the police station several times and at times people had been kept waiting for over 10 hours to record their statements,” the head of the Presidential Commission said.
The High Court Judge said that the commission was only on a fact finding mission and had no powers to impose punishment. He said he had recommended that investigations be carried out against the police officers by a unit comprising a retired civil servant and a state counsel. Mr. Tillakaratne made this observation while releasing the findings of the commission which looked into incidents of disappearances, abductions and killings over a period from January 1, 2006 to February 25, 2007.
The commission’s head also noted that a majority of the abductions were not exactly abductions as they have left their homes temporally over trivial matters like family disputes among others. During this period 1713 disappearances were reported island wide but out of them in the case of 1002 cases the person reported abducted had returned to their homes. He also noted that according to the evidence some of the abductees when they were last seen seemed to have gone with the people whom they knew and of their own free will. Out of 307 complaints of abductions in 132 cases the alleged abductees had come back. Among the incidents reported were 430 killings.
The incidents were from the nine provinces and the Wanni area. The majority of killings (192) and abduction (702) were reported from Eastern province while the highest number of disappearances was reported from the Western province.
However 450 of them had already returned. 192 killings were also reported from Eastern province while 43 were reported from the western province. The finding had also revealed that some of the victims had notorious backgrounds.
Questioned by the media, the High Court Judge said action would be taken against the persons who are found to be connected or are discovered to be involved in these abductions that have been reported to the commission.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/29/news/09.asp)
Former High Court Judge, Mahanama Tillakaratne, who headed the commission detailing it’s findings, which was presented to the President recently, stated at a press briefing that that sometimes the police had been evasive in recording complaints. The High Court Judge stated that it was his observation that the police were in a ‘deep slumber’. According to the evidence before the commission some complaints had not been recorded even after the complaints had come to the police station several times and at times people had been kept waiting for over 10 hours to record their statements,” the head of the Presidential Commission said.
The High Court Judge said that the commission was only on a fact finding mission and had no powers to impose punishment. He said he had recommended that investigations be carried out against the police officers by a unit comprising a retired civil servant and a state counsel. Mr. Tillakaratne made this observation while releasing the findings of the commission which looked into incidents of disappearances, abductions and killings over a period from January 1, 2006 to February 25, 2007.
The commission’s head also noted that a majority of the abductions were not exactly abductions as they have left their homes temporally over trivial matters like family disputes among others. During this period 1713 disappearances were reported island wide but out of them in the case of 1002 cases the person reported abducted had returned to their homes. He also noted that according to the evidence some of the abductees when they were last seen seemed to have gone with the people whom they knew and of their own free will. Out of 307 complaints of abductions in 132 cases the alleged abductees had come back. Among the incidents reported were 430 killings.
The incidents were from the nine provinces and the Wanni area. The majority of killings (192) and abduction (702) were reported from Eastern province while the highest number of disappearances was reported from the Western province.
However 450 of them had already returned. 192 killings were also reported from Eastern province while 43 were reported from the western province. The finding had also revealed that some of the victims had notorious backgrounds.
Questioned by the media, the High Court Judge said action would be taken against the persons who are found to be connected or are discovered to be involved in these abductions that have been reported to the commission.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/29/news/09.asp)
CPA files FR petition challenging Mutur HSZ
The Centre for Policy Alternatives yesterday filed a fundamental rights violation petition challenging the recent regulation issued by the President declaring a High Security Zone in the Mutur Divisional Secretary’s Division encompassing an area of land owned by internally displaced persons.
The CPA and its Executive Director Pakiasoothy Saravanamuttu filed this application seeking relief and effective redress in respect of the infringement of the fundamental rights of a large section of the Sri Lankan society who have been and are being further discriminated against and gravely prejudiced.
They are seeking relief in the light of grave and adverse denial of the due enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms that all Sri Lankans regardless of ethnic, religious or geographical classification are entitled to, which are sought to be denied to a section of Sri Lankan society on the basis of their ethnicity and place of origin.
They cited Defence Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Commander of the Security Forces (East) Maj. Gen. Parakrama Pannipitiya, the Army Commander, the Air force Commander, the Navy Commander, the IGP, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and the Attorney General as respondents.
The petition filed through Attorney-at-Law Mohan Balendra states as follows.
Since April 2006, many civilians in Trincomalee district were displaced due to the continuing hostilities. As a result, many are unable to return to and resettle in their land owned and possessed by them and their families.
They contend that according to international law, internally displaced persons have the right to voluntarily return to their land in safety and dignity and that international law further provides that no person should be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family and home.
On September 4, 2006 the first respondent President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that Sampur area had been captured by the security forces and he is quoted as saying “Our armed forces have captured Sampur for the welfare and benefit of the people living there.”
Since March 2007, resettlement of persons have taken place in Trincomalee district. There have been accusations of civilians being forcibly resettled. On March 20, Resettlement Minister Rishad Badurdeen admitted that forced resettlement to Trincomalee district from Batticaloa district took place, the petitioners stated. They pointed out that though the civilians were taken to certain parts of Trincomalee, people have been unable to return to Sampur area and that civilians are unable to return to their lands despite the said land falling within the Trincomalee Special Economic Zone, having been declared as a Licensed Zone of BOI Act.
Petitioners stated that in the 2nd week of June 2007, they were further distressed and perturbed to learn of Regulations issued by President Mahinda Rajapaksa under Public Security Ordinance declaring the area of land owned by internally displaced persons as a High Security Zone.
The present Mutur Divisional Secretary’s Division is 179.4 square kilometres in territory and the HSZ declared seeks to cover 50% of the said division.
They further stated that according to a statement made by Defence Spokesman Kehiliya Rambukwella, civilians from the HSZ will not be allowed to return to their lands or occupy the same.
Petitioners state that they are wary of the establishment of the HSZ particularly in view of recent directives by high ranking government officials of the Defence establishment to eliminate the presence of Tamils from the North and East from certain parts of Colombo.
They maintained that the directive is based on the unfair and wrongful assumption that the Tamils from the North and East are subversives or terrorists and charged that such policies are targeted at changing the ethnic demographics in the area.
They alleged that such widespread and systematic attack on a section of the population based on ethnic grounds amounts to a Crime Against Humanity as defined by international norms and that such policies by the government are disproportionately affecting Tamil citizens.
They claim that the said Regulations are arbitrary, harsh, unduly oppressive, overly broad and unreasonable and constitutes an infringement and imminent infringement of fundamental rights to right to equality and equal protection by the law and freedom to engage in any lawful occupation, profession, trade, business or enterprises as well as the freedom of movement and of choosing residence within Sri Lanka.
Another similar petition too was filed by four petitioners who have been residing and owning properties therein for generations.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/30/news/8.asp)
The CPA and its Executive Director Pakiasoothy Saravanamuttu filed this application seeking relief and effective redress in respect of the infringement of the fundamental rights of a large section of the Sri Lankan society who have been and are being further discriminated against and gravely prejudiced.
They are seeking relief in the light of grave and adverse denial of the due enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms that all Sri Lankans regardless of ethnic, religious or geographical classification are entitled to, which are sought to be denied to a section of Sri Lankan society on the basis of their ethnicity and place of origin.
They cited Defence Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Commander of the Security Forces (East) Maj. Gen. Parakrama Pannipitiya, the Army Commander, the Air force Commander, the Navy Commander, the IGP, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and the Attorney General as respondents.
The petition filed through Attorney-at-Law Mohan Balendra states as follows.
Since April 2006, many civilians in Trincomalee district were displaced due to the continuing hostilities. As a result, many are unable to return to and resettle in their land owned and possessed by them and their families.
They contend that according to international law, internally displaced persons have the right to voluntarily return to their land in safety and dignity and that international law further provides that no person should be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family and home.
On September 4, 2006 the first respondent President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that Sampur area had been captured by the security forces and he is quoted as saying “Our armed forces have captured Sampur for the welfare and benefit of the people living there.”
Since March 2007, resettlement of persons have taken place in Trincomalee district. There have been accusations of civilians being forcibly resettled. On March 20, Resettlement Minister Rishad Badurdeen admitted that forced resettlement to Trincomalee district from Batticaloa district took place, the petitioners stated. They pointed out that though the civilians were taken to certain parts of Trincomalee, people have been unable to return to Sampur area and that civilians are unable to return to their lands despite the said land falling within the Trincomalee Special Economic Zone, having been declared as a Licensed Zone of BOI Act.
Petitioners stated that in the 2nd week of June 2007, they were further distressed and perturbed to learn of Regulations issued by President Mahinda Rajapaksa under Public Security Ordinance declaring the area of land owned by internally displaced persons as a High Security Zone.
The present Mutur Divisional Secretary’s Division is 179.4 square kilometres in territory and the HSZ declared seeks to cover 50% of the said division.
They further stated that according to a statement made by Defence Spokesman Kehiliya Rambukwella, civilians from the HSZ will not be allowed to return to their lands or occupy the same.
Petitioners state that they are wary of the establishment of the HSZ particularly in view of recent directives by high ranking government officials of the Defence establishment to eliminate the presence of Tamils from the North and East from certain parts of Colombo.
They maintained that the directive is based on the unfair and wrongful assumption that the Tamils from the North and East are subversives or terrorists and charged that such policies are targeted at changing the ethnic demographics in the area.
They alleged that such widespread and systematic attack on a section of the population based on ethnic grounds amounts to a Crime Against Humanity as defined by international norms and that such policies by the government are disproportionately affecting Tamil citizens.
They claim that the said Regulations are arbitrary, harsh, unduly oppressive, overly broad and unreasonable and constitutes an infringement and imminent infringement of fundamental rights to right to equality and equal protection by the law and freedom to engage in any lawful occupation, profession, trade, business or enterprises as well as the freedom of movement and of choosing residence within Sri Lanka.
Another similar petition too was filed by four petitioners who have been residing and owning properties therein for generations.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/30/news/8.asp)
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Sea Tiger radar point destroyed
Increasing trend of LTTE activities in temples and churches, says army
Army confident of driving out Tigers
A trap awaits the troops, says LTTE
COLOMBO: The military reported on Tuesday that an LTTE cadre committed suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule when troops entered a temple in Kaluwankerni, Batticaloa, in a search operation even as the air force bombed “identified” Tiger targets in Thoppigala jungles in the east.
Thoppigala, supposedly the last pocket of influence of Tigers, is the theatre of a battle between the army and the LTTE for several weeks now. The military has claimed that it would be a matter of days before it drove out the 300 odd Tigers sheltered in the bushy jungles. On the reported suicide, the military said the army conducted a search operation following a tip-of that the LTTE cadre who fled Thoppigala took cover in the temple.
“Lately the security forces have observed an increasing trend of LTTE activities inside Hindu temples and Christian churches.
“On many occasions they have sought the sanctuary of places of worship to conceal explosives, weapons and other military equipment making use of the high degree of respect the armed forces have towards these places.
“Concerned civilians and religious leaders play a major role in informing the security forces of such impious activities by the LTTE. In most instances, recovery of weapons and explosives was possible due to timely information by civilians and religious leaders,” said the military. Separately, fighter jets pounded “identified LTTE targets” and a Sea Tiger radar point was destroyed in the precision strikes.
LTTE’s appeal
The Defence Ministry alleged that the LTTE is using polythene sacks with UNHCR emblem containing dry rations to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to cover up their bunkers.
“Paying scant regard to the civilians, Tiger terrorists had also blown up a bridge that connected Karadiyanaru with Thoppigala road and steps are being taken by Engineer troops to restore the bridge”.
Coinciding with the Co-Chairs meeting under way in Oslo, S.P Thamilchelvan, head of the LTTE’s political division, told TamilNet that to bring peace and pave the way for talks, the international community should come forward to “support the struggle for rights of the Tamil people and force the Sri Lankan Government to implement the ceasefire agreement in full”.
Characterising the “efforts” to bring a united position among the southern parties as the “same old drama,” that has gone on throughout the Tamil people’s struggle for their rights, he said only the CFA can save the island from the disaster.
Welcoming the meeting, he said Tamil people had become suspicious as to why there was no “firm united stance” even among the members of the Co-Chairs.
Some members are indirectly encouraging Colombo by giving military and economic aid while some others are attempting to implement practical steps to put pressure on the Government, he alleged.
Mr. Thamilchelvan claimed that the LTTE chose military strategies to suit the “place, environment and time,” and that the army would soon find out the “trap they have set for themselves”.
(http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007062751111400.htm&date
=2007/06/27/&prd=th&)
Army confident of driving out Tigers
A trap awaits the troops, says LTTE
COLOMBO: The military reported on Tuesday that an LTTE cadre committed suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule when troops entered a temple in Kaluwankerni, Batticaloa, in a search operation even as the air force bombed “identified” Tiger targets in Thoppigala jungles in the east.
Thoppigala, supposedly the last pocket of influence of Tigers, is the theatre of a battle between the army and the LTTE for several weeks now. The military has claimed that it would be a matter of days before it drove out the 300 odd Tigers sheltered in the bushy jungles. On the reported suicide, the military said the army conducted a search operation following a tip-of that the LTTE cadre who fled Thoppigala took cover in the temple.
“Lately the security forces have observed an increasing trend of LTTE activities inside Hindu temples and Christian churches.
“On many occasions they have sought the sanctuary of places of worship to conceal explosives, weapons and other military equipment making use of the high degree of respect the armed forces have towards these places.
“Concerned civilians and religious leaders play a major role in informing the security forces of such impious activities by the LTTE. In most instances, recovery of weapons and explosives was possible due to timely information by civilians and religious leaders,” said the military. Separately, fighter jets pounded “identified LTTE targets” and a Sea Tiger radar point was destroyed in the precision strikes.
LTTE’s appeal
The Defence Ministry alleged that the LTTE is using polythene sacks with UNHCR emblem containing dry rations to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to cover up their bunkers.
“Paying scant regard to the civilians, Tiger terrorists had also blown up a bridge that connected Karadiyanaru with Thoppigala road and steps are being taken by Engineer troops to restore the bridge”.
Coinciding with the Co-Chairs meeting under way in Oslo, S.P Thamilchelvan, head of the LTTE’s political division, told TamilNet that to bring peace and pave the way for talks, the international community should come forward to “support the struggle for rights of the Tamil people and force the Sri Lankan Government to implement the ceasefire agreement in full”.
Characterising the “efforts” to bring a united position among the southern parties as the “same old drama,” that has gone on throughout the Tamil people’s struggle for their rights, he said only the CFA can save the island from the disaster.
Welcoming the meeting, he said Tamil people had become suspicious as to why there was no “firm united stance” even among the members of the Co-Chairs.
Some members are indirectly encouraging Colombo by giving military and economic aid while some others are attempting to implement practical steps to put pressure on the Government, he alleged.
Mr. Thamilchelvan claimed that the LTTE chose military strategies to suit the “place, environment and time,” and that the army would soon find out the “trap they have set for themselves”.
(http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007062751111400.htm&date
=2007/06/27/&prd=th&)
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