TELO-EPRLF clashes lead to SLA's search of camps

[TamilNet, Sunday, 05 August 2001, 16:15 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers Sunday searched eight camps of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) in Vavuniya town and its suburbs, said Suthan, local leader of TELO in Vavuniya. He said that no reason was given for the search. The troops also searched two camps of the Eelam People's Revolutionary Front (Perumal's faction) (EPRLF).

Sources in Vavuniya said the searches were conducted following clashes between the two groups in Vavuniya during the last two days.

Mr.Adaikalanathan, TELO leader and an MP, said that EPRLF cadres belonging to Varatharajaperumal's faction fired at his group's camp at Vairavapuliyankulam Friday night and Saturday morning.

In a separate incident, also on Saturday, three TELO members were abducted by the EPRLF cadres and assaulted, the MP said.

He said on Saturday shots were fired at the camp while members of five Tamil political parties were having a meeting, discussing details of an anti- referendum meeting scheduled to be held on August 8th in Vavuniya.

TELO has lodged formal complaints with the Vavuniya police and Army, he added. Sri Lanka Army's 21-1 Brigadee Commander called local leaders of the groups and reprimanded them about their violent acts.

Meanwhile, Vavuniya District Judge Mr.Illancheliyan has ordered the Police to take necessary steps to prevent further escalation of clashes.



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