Paramilitary groups seek role in captured areas

[TamilNet, Thursday, 11 March 1999, 12:37 GMT]
Two Tamil paramilitary groups, the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) and the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) have sought permission from the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) to operate in Irani Iluppankulam, an area which was captured recently by the SLA.

Military wing leader of the PLOTE, Mr. Manikadasan, said his organisation wishes to extend its activities in the newly captured area to render necessary help to the civilians there.

Meanwhile Deputy Minister of Defence, General Anurudha Ratwatte said in the Sri Lankan Parliament, while moving a motion on extending state of emergency, that the Government forces are consolidating their positions areas captured by the 'Operation Rana Gosa'.

Douglas Devananda, EPDP parliamentarian and the group's leader, said that the north east conflict could be solved only through a set of political proposals.

He warned that harmony between the two main communities in the island would be affected if the government plans to find a military solution.

John Amaratunge, a UNP parliamentarian, urged the government to lift the state of emergency in areas where Provincial Council elections are to be held.

He said that unruly incidents would take place during the elections if the state of emergency continues to be maintained in theseareas.

While condemning the Gampola incident - which the UNP has been blamed for - Amaratunge stressed the importance of conducting an investigation to find out the reasons for such incidents.