"No cease-fire, Tigers will be eliminated" - Army

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 January 2001, 13:08 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army announced over loud-hailers in Batticaloa town on Friday that severe action would be taken against those who organise or take part in hunger-strikes, march, picketing or other forms of protest urging the Sri Lankan government to declare a cease-fire or to begin negotiations with the Liberation Tigers.

"The Government will not abide by the cease-fire announced by the Tigers. The war will continue till the Tigers, their supporters and those who advocate secession are eliminated", the soldiers announced.

Residents in Batticaloa told TamilNet that the announcement were made at various places in the eastern province town and its suburbs.

The Army declared that "there will be no negotiations with the Tigers. They will be completely wiped put" and warned "no protests will be tolerated".

The Army also distributed hand-bills titled "parents and children" in the Batticaloa, warning residents not join the LTTE.

TamilNet sources in Batticaloa said the Army's announcement comes in the wake of several peace-protests and picketing planned in Batticaloa, urging the Sri Lankan government to both respond favourably to the LTTE's month-long , unilateral cease-fire which began on Christmas Eve and to begin negotiations with the movement.