TULF appeals against Army offensive

[TamilNet, Friday, 10 August 2001, 10:22 GMT]
The Tamil United Liberation Front Friday urged President Chandrika Kumaratunge to instruct the Sri Lanka Army to stop launching a major operation in eastern province. "The intended military operation will cause mass destruction and loss of life among civilians. I wish to point out that this type of operation will not be tolerated by any right thinking people, in particular by the international community" said Mr.V.Anandasangaree, Senior Vice President of the TULF in a letter faxed tothe President.

The TULF sent this letter followed the distribution of printed handbills in the Batticaloa district by the Joint Operational Headquarters under the caption "Notice before Operation".

"As the Head of the State it is your sacred duty to protect every citizen in the country and not to cause unnecessary hardships to the innocent people" Mr.Anandasangaree reminded the President.

Mr.Anandasangaree has sent copies of his letter to the SLA Commander Lt.General Lionel Balagalle and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr.R.K.Chandrananda de Silva.