120 PLOTE cadres face arrest

[TamilNet, Monday, 27 September 1999, 18:39 GMT]
Rupavahini, the Sri Lankan state television, said in its evening news telecast that the Sri Lankan security forces in Vavuniya have taken measures to arrest about 120 armed cadres of the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam who are suspected to be hiding in the jungle of Aasikulam.

The Rupavahini said this is being done on a request made by the PLOTE leader Tharmalingam Sithardhan.

Sources said Mr. Sithardhan has asked for Sri Lanka Army's assistance to arrest the armed members who are absconding.

The cadres in the jungle are believed to belong to a rival faction of the PLOTE to Sithardhan's they said.

Meanwhile SLA sources said troops patrolling Rasenthirankulam about 12 km. north west of Vavuniya recovered 2 cyanide capsules and a hand grenade around 5.30 p.m. this evening.

Two suspected members of the Liberation Tigers in the area escaped they added.

Residents said the SLA soldiers conducted a cordon and search operation in the area.