LTTE-SLMM hold talks in Pallai

[TamilNet, Saturday, 24 September 2005, 14:20 GMT]
Mr.Hagrup Haukland, Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) Friday met with Mr.C.Ilamparithi, Jaffna district political head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at the latter's district political office located in Pallai in the LTTE controlled Killinochchi district, sources in Jaffna said. Mr. Ari Pekka Nimella, Jaffna district head of the SLMM also met with Mr.Ilamprithi at the same venue on Saturday, sources said.



Mr.Haukland arrived by air at the Palaly military airbase and then proceeded to LTTE district office in Pallai through A9 highway. The discussion between the two commenced at about 11 a.m. went on till around 1 p.m. SLMM media spokesperson also attended the discussion, sources said.

Mr.Ilamparithi Saturday briefed the Jaffna journalists on the details of discussions he had with Mr.Hagrup Haukland and Mr Nimella.

He said government troops are intimidating tsunami-affected fishermen by imposing restrictions including reinforcing special pass system for them to go for fishing in northern sea.

The interference of SLA soldiers in the civil administration is on the increase, he said. SLA soldiers are visiting houses and business establishments in Jaffna district and collecting information about resettled internally displaced families.

"I brought to the notice of the SLMM officials that these actions of the SLA are blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement. Civilian population in Jaffna district are infuriated by the SLA's conduct which is infringing on peoples fundamental rights and which is creating a difficult environment to lead a normal life," said Mr.Ilamparithi

"Our political activists were forced to reduce their scope of work from the government controlled areas because of death threats and intimidation from SLA. I have clearly told the SLMM head that under these circumstances unless a decision is taken at the highest level with the parties concerned to ensure our security and safety, we are not prepared to engage in political activities anymore in the government controlled areas," said Mr.Ilamparithi.

"We are not introducing any changes in our forward defense lines. But the SLA is strengthening and increasing its presence in the district thus preparing for a renewed conflict. I have brought this to the notice of the SLMM during our discussions," said Mr.Ilamparithi.