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Sri Lanka – pro-LTTE parliamentarian killed |
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In Sri Lanka, K. Sivanesan, a Member of Parliament, belonging to the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance [TNA], was killed in a claymore mine attack in the LTTE-controlled Wanni area on March 6. While the LTTE alleged that the MP from Jaffna was killed by the Sri Lanka Army Deep Penetration Unit 30 minutes after he crossed into Wanni through Oamanthai/Puliyangkulam, the Army has denied the charge and said no military operation was being carried out there at that time.
Meanwhile, intermittent fighting is raging on several fronts and at least 43 Tamil Tigers were killed by troops. Addressing a rally in Ratnapura on March 2, President Rajapaksa said until such time every inch of land is captured and the last terrorist is destroyed, his Government will not cease its liberation operations against the LTTE.
Reports from Wanni say LTTE chief Prabhakaran, who was injured in an air raid may have to have his leg amputated as it turned gangrenous. According to an Asian Tribune report quoting reliable sources, a specialist doctor and a medical team were flown into the Wanni region from Tamil Nadu with the knowledge of the State Government there to treat Prabhakaran. Prabhakaran is holed up in a highly secret location in Wanni that has been declared out of bounds for senior LTTE cadres, including Potu Amman, the intelligence chief, and Sosai, the head of the Sea Tigers.
That the LTTE was spreading its wings to South India was proved when police raided a boatyard, Sudha Marine Engineering, where a vessel was being constructed for use by LTTE. The boat was seized by Kerala Police at a dock. Investigations are on to find out if more boats were being made in Kerala, police said.
Intelligence agencies have reported an increase in LTTE activities in Kerala. Recently, a top Navy officer had said that the outfit was shifting its operations from Tamil Nadu due to constant surveillance of the Navy and the Coast Guard, to the less patrolled Kerala coast.
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