News in Brief:

[TamilNet, Thursday, 21 October 1999, 04:05 GMT]
Para militaries advised against fighting each other, Food convoys to Vanni resume, Minister visits Vanni war fronts.

Para militaries advised against fighting each other

Brigadier Tissa Jayawardena the co-ordinating officer of Vavuniya advised the para military groups in the area to develop a cordial relationship among themselves and asked them to avoid inter-group fighting, in a meeting held yesterday at the Vanni army head quarters, said sources.

The meeting was convened by the co-ordinating officer.

He told the Tamil groups that the elections were around the corner, and that they have to engage themselves in political activities and avoid collecting taxes from the public.

Brigadier Tissa Jayawardene, Lt. Fernando, Mathikaran Regan Asst Dist. Secy, and Raveendran Ashok Cheddikulam area secretary of the EPRLF, Nirmal the district organiser and another member from the EPDP, Rangan and Ganesharajah from PLOTE and Thangan from TELO attended the meeting.

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Food convoys to Vanni resume

Ninteen lorries carrying foodstuff went in a convoy to the Vanni area held by the Liberation Tigers yesterday, said government officials.

The food convoy service resumed after a week they added.

S. Ragunathapillai, the Addtional Government Agent in Vavuniya said, permission has been granted for 300 civilians to travel to the areas held by the LTTE tomorrow.

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Minister visits Vanni war fronts

Deputy Minister of Defence, General Anurudha Ratwatte, visited the war fronts in the Vanni yesterday with service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, said sources.

The Minister came to Vavuniya and met Major General Vasantha Perera, the Commandar for the Vanni region, at the Vanni head quarters, who briefed the Minister on the prevailing situation.

Later the Minister visited Oddusuddan area to the war fronts and had discussions with the field commanders and soldiers, said sources.

The Minister returned to Colombo in the afternoon.