EPDP leader critically injured

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 30 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Eelam Peoples' Democratic Party (EPDP) leader Douglas Devanda was critically injured when he was stabbed by a group of priosners today at the Kalutara prison around 6:00 p.m., said Ms. Maheswari Velayutham, Secretary for the Forum for Human Dignity who accompanied Mr. Devanda.
Full story >>

New Jaffna Mayor takes office

[TamilNet, Monday, 29 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Mr. Pon. Sivapalan, legal advisor to the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), was sworn in as the new Mayor of the Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) in a ceremony attended by the party's Vice President, Mr. V. Anandasangari, today in Jaffna.
Full story >>

Demonstration over cuts in relief

[TamilNet, Monday, 29 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Over one thousand people demonstrated in Jaffna today, protesting at the Sri Lankan Government's decision to cut relief for displaced people. The demonstration was organised by an organisation calling itself the 'Movement campaigning for Human Justice'
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SLA operation in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Monday, 29 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Sri Lankan security forces carried out an operation in Batticaloa today, ex-militant sources told TamilNet, quoting Sri Lankan defence officials. According to the Sri Lankan Army (SLA), seven Liberation Tigers were killed and a police station and courthouse destroyed, said the sources.
Full story >>

New security regulations in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Monday, 29 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Army (SLA) in the Thenmaradchi sector of the Jaffna peninsula has declared that people who enter the areas it controls would not be allowed to bring more than 25 coconuts with them. The new regulations came into effect from Saturday, said sources.
Full story >>

Hindu Conference condemns Sri Lankan forces

[TamilNet, Monday, 29 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An International conference on Hinduism has condemned attacks on Hindus and the destruction of Hindu places of worship by Sri Lankan security forces and urged the Sri Lankan government to halt such attacks. The 'First International Conference on Hindu Solidarity' held in Paris on 27 and 28 June at the UNESCO auditorium and attended by delegates from several countries.
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To be or not to be?

[TamilNet, Sunday, 28 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The question of elections is hanging in the balance without a firm announcement by the Sri Lanka Government (SLG) as to whether it would go ahead with the provincial council polls, or opt for Presidential election after November this year.
Full story >>

Cash liquidity crisis

[TamilNet, Sunday, 28 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A severe shortage of cash in banks of the Mullaitheevu district is reported to have caused a series of problems, affecting activities such as the supplying of relief food, the payment of salaries and pensions and the local purchase of paddy by the Multipurpose Co- operative Societies (MPCS) there.
Full story >>

SLN acquires hovercraft

[TamilNet, Sunday, 28 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) is to acquire a British designed hovercraft for logistical use, according to the Lloyd's of London Press Limited. The medium-lift M10, designed by ABS Hovercraft (based in Romsey) and built by Vosper Thornycroft is said to be currently undergoing final trials before being handed over.
Full story >>

Three civilians killed

[TamilNet, Sunday, 28 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Three civilians, including a mother and her 7 year old son were killed and 8 others were wounded in a Sri Lankan Air Force bombing raid and SLA's shelling at Solainakar in Konavil in the Kilinochchi district, yesterday, said sources close LTTE in Europe when contacted by TamilNet.
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Bicycle gang busted

[TamilNet, Saturday, 27 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Police arrested five persons and recovered 23 stolen bicycles today at Valaichenai, 32 km north of Batticaloa, said sources in Batticaloa.
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Para - military accused of murder

[TamilNet, Saturday, 27 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Additional District Judge for Batticaloa, K. Thangavadivel, pronounced that A. Pakiyanathan, of the Razeek Group, a paramilitary organisation working with the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in the East, was guilty of murdering Parasuraman Mohanaraj, also of the Razeek Group on Thursday, said sources in Batticaloa.
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Protest Fast in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Friday, 26 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A token fast is staged opposite the Nallur Kandasamy temple today protesting at the treatment of prisoners detained without trial and other human rights violations committed by the Sri Lanka Government against the people of Jaffna said sources.
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Mi-24 shot down

[TamilNet, Friday, 26 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A Sri Lankan Air Force helicopter gunship was shot downed this morning around 8.55 near Vavuniya Airforce base, said ex-militant sources. Four personnel on board were killed, they added.
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Army warns forcible resettlement

[TamilNet, Friday, 26 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Around 200 families displaced from Kuchchevli, 35 km north of Trincomalee, are to be forcibly resettled on June 30 if they do not volunteer to do so, said sources in Trincomalee.
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RPG downed Mi-24

[TamilNet, Friday, 26 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A Sri Lankan Air Force helicopter (SLAF) gunship was shot down by the Liberation Tigers at Kachchankulam, 3 km. south of Vavuniya Airforce base, this morning around 8.55, ex-militant sources told TamilNet today. Four personnel on board were killed, they added.
Full story >>

Fast unto death continues

[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Attorney General and the Prison Commissioner are yet to respond to demands put forward by the Tamil detainees held at the Kalutara prison who began a fast unto death yesterday, demanding their release or the implementation of legal proceedings against them.
Full story >>

Batticaloa troops sent to Vanni

[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Army (SLA) is moving front-line soldiers from Batticaloa to the areas of Operation 'Jeyasikurui' and replacing them with re-instated deserters and fresh recruits, ex-militant sources in Europe told TamilNet today.
Full story >>

UNDP to clear mines

[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) will commence a mine clearing project in the Jaffna peninsula at the end of this month said Mr. David Taylor, a British expert on landmines, in an interview given to the Uthayan, the only daily newspaper published in Jaffna.
Full story >>

Colonisation in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An illegal colonisation of Sinhalese, backed by the Sri Lankan Army and Police is taking place in areas between the native Tamil villages of Kurankup Paalam and Vilankulam in the Trincomalee district, on the Trincomalee-Colombo road, said sources in the eastern port town of Trincomalee.
Full story >>

Jaffna SLFP official killed

[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed the governing Sri Lankan Freedom Party's (SLFP) District Secretary for Jaffna, Mr. Oswald at his residence in Kurunagar in Jaffna around 8.00 p.m. yesterday, said party sources.
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Massacre Suspects Released on Bail

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 24 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Eighteen suspects in the Thampalagamam massacre in which eight civilians were killed on february 1, were granted bail by Trincomalee High Court judge A. N. Ramachandran on Monday partly because the State had not filed a plaint against them for the past three months.
Full story >>

Para-military soldier killed

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 24 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A member of the Razeek Group, a para-military outfit working with the Sri Lanka Army (SLA), was killed in a confrontation with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) near the 10th Mile Post on the Vavunatheevu-Aithiymalai Road, 10 km Northwest of Batticaloa, around 7:00 a.m. yesterday, said sources in Batticaloa.
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Shortage of drugs causes hard ship - GA

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 24 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A large displaced population, the shortage of drugs, medical personnel, hospital facilities and the ongoing Jeyasikiru military operation are all factors contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension in the Mullaitheevu District, said the Government Agent (GA), Mr. R. Tharmakulasingam in his latest report on situation there.
Full story >>

Cholera outbreak feared

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 24 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Following the detection of four suspected cholera cases, including a 11 year old boy, in Erukalampitty Welfare centre in Mannar, local health officials said they are taking immediate steps to prevent the disease being spread further, but are apprehensive.
Full story >>

Jaffna University staff take strike action

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 24 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A token strike staged by the Jaffna University Workers' Union yesterday, to demand that a risk allowance be incorporated into their salary, brought the University to a standstill, said sources in Jaffna.
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Batticaloa fishermen deal with crocodile threat

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 24 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An 18 foot crocodile which had terrorised local fishermen in the Paddiruppu lagoon near Kaluthavali, 20 km north of Batticaloa, was caught on Tuesday morning, said sources in Valaichenai.
Full story >>

Abductees released

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 23 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two supporters of Mr. N. R. Ramamoorthy and N. R. Rameswaran, MPs for the Jaffna District, who were allegedly abducted by the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP) on Friday, were released yesterday, said sources in Jaffna.
Full story >>

Grenade attack in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 23 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan army allegedly lobbed a grenade at the home of S. Sivagurunathan, on Vipulananda Road Valaichenai, 32 km north of Batticaloa, around 9:00 a.m. yesterday, said ex militant sources. The incident is thought to be related to earlier events.
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Navy discourages resettlement

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 23 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has imposed restrictions on the resettlement of displaced families on the Mandaitheevu island off the coast of the Jaffna Peninsula, said sources. After the bulk of the population was displaced in 1991 and the overrunning of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) camp in 1995, only around 35 families remained on the island.
Full story >>

Mankulam battle rages

[TamilNet, Monday, 22 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Fierce fighting is continuing between the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and the Liberation Tigers for the third consecutive day in the general area of Mankulam said LTTE sources in Europe this evening when contacted by TamilNet.
Full story >>

Vakarai captured - SLA

[TamilNet, Monday, 22 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Sri Lankan troops have successfully launched an operation, code named "Inthira Sara", in the eastern province today and had taken control of the coastal town of Vakarai, 60 km. north of Batticaloa, from the Liberation Tigers, said ex-militant sources in Europe, quoting Sri Lankan defence ministry officials.
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Political detainees to begin protest fast

[TamilNet, Monday, 22 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Forty-seven Tamil political prisoners held at the Kalutura prison, 43 km south of capital Colombo, have warned that they will begin a fast unto death from Tuesday, June 23, demanding that the authorities either begin legal proceedings against them or release them.
Full story >>

EPDP members suspected in abduction

[TamilNet, Monday, 22 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A group of unidentified gunmen believed to be members of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) abducted two supporters of a rival parliamentarian, Mr. Ramamoorthy, who represents the Jaffna district, on Friday in Jaffna, said sources close to Mr. Ramamoorthy.
Full story >>

Mankulam fighting continues

[TamilNet, Sunday, 21 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Heavy fighting broke out between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lankan Army yesterday in the general area of Mankulam, when the troops engaged in Operation Jayasikurui made a fresh attempt to advance from their positions around 10.45 a.m. said LTTE sources in Europe.
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Batticaloa Villages assaulted by STF personnel

[TamilNet, Sunday, 21 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Three women were whipped publicly by the Special Task Force (STF) on the Batticaloa - Kalmunai highway at Kottaikallar, 25 km south of Batticaloa Friday morning, said ex militant sources in Batticaloa when contacted by Tamil Net.
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Moonrumurippu assault repulsed - LTTE

[TamilNet, Sunday, 21 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A fresh Sri Lankan Army assault to advance towards Mankulam via Moonrumurippu, south-west of Mankulam, was beaten back said Liberation Tigers in a press release issued from their International Secretariat in London this evening.
Full story >>

Attack on Telecommunication Tower in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Saturday, 20 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The telecommunication tower at the Eravur telephone exchange, 12 km north of Batticaloa, was truncated and lines supplying electricity to the area severed, when the the Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) facility was attacked by suscpected members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) last night around 12:45 a.m., said Police sources in Batticaloa.
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Two arrested for transporting bomb

[TamilNet, Friday, 19 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two persons were arrested at a police checkpoint in Siyambalanduwa in the Amparai District, 45 km west of Amparai town, transporting a bomb strapped to their motorbike, said police sources in Batticaloa.
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Army advance repulsed - LTTE

[TamilNet, Friday, 19 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An attempt by the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) to advance towards Moonrumurippu, southwest of Mankulam, yesterday morning around 9.45 a.m. was repulsed, said the Liberation Tigers in a press release issued from their International Secretariat in London.
Full story >>

TULF council members abstain

[TamilNet, Friday, 19 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
All eleven TULF council members of the Valikamam North Predeshiya Saba have decided to abstain from their functions as council members until the situation in Jaffna has become "normal". This was announced at a council meeting led by the council's chairman, Mr. Baskaran.
Full story >>

TELO member shot at in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Friday, 19 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A member of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO), Seenithambi Rajan (27), escaped unhurt from an attack in which he was shot at by unidentified gunmen at Navakudah, 5km south of Batticaloa, around 11:00 a.m. yesterday, said sources in Batticaloa.
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Government moves to postpone PC Elections

[TamilNet, Friday, 19 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Government is reported to have approached the main opposition party, the United National Party (UNP), to get it's support to postpone the forthcoming Provincial Council (PC) elections for another year, said sources close to the UNP.
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UNP opposes calls to delay elections

[TamilNet, Friday, 19 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Buddhist clergy of the Malwatte, Asgiriye, Amarapura Nikaye and Raman Maha Nikaye chapters requested the Sri Lanka Government today to postpone the Provincial Council Elections until the island's war was won.
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Two suspected Tigers shot dead

[TamilNet, Friday, 19 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two persons, suspected to be members of the Liberation Tigers (LTTE), who the Police say had fired at Seenithamby Rajan, a TELO member, yesterday morning at Navakudah, were killed by the Ariyampathy Special Task Force (STF) around 3:30 p.m. yesterday at Aariyampathy, 8 km south of Batticaloa, said sources.
Full story >>

Father attempts suicide

[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Depressed by the death of his son, Damayanthan, last August, and disillusioned by subsequent delays in legal proceedings, S. Lakshmikathan (60), of Trincomalee, tried to commit suicide last month by eating four oleander seeds, said sources in Trincomalee.
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Teacher assaults pupil

[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Abdul Cader Mohammed Paaseen (17), a student studying for the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) at the Attalachenai Government School, near Akkaraipattu in the Amparai District, 60 km south of Batticaloa, had to be hospitalised after he was assaulted by a teacher in the school, said sources in Batticaloa.
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Shooting victims had been arrested

[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two persons from the suburbs of Kalmunai, who had been taken away for questioning on Monday night by an armed group in plain clothes, were found shot dead in Kalmunai town, 35 km south of Batticaloa on Tuesday morning, said sources in Batticaloa.
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Conflicting claims in Vanni fighting

[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Thirty five Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers and 4 officers have been killed and 2 officers and 79 soldiers have been wounded in fighting between 11 and 17 June, in the forward areas of Operation Jayasikurui, said SLA Brig. Sarath Munasinghe at a weekly press briefing held in Colombo today.
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News briefs from Jaffna

[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The incidence of Malaria is increasing in Chavakchcheri and the Jaffna Teaching Hospital has requested a 3 month supply of medicine from the Health Ministry, said health officials in Jaffna. Storage and transport difficulties causes food spoilage and private Diploma holders fail University exam.
Full story >>

Two missing after storm

[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two persons are reported missing from Thirukovil, in the Amparai district, following a fierce storm that swept through the area on Tuesday morning between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., said sources in Amparai.
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Batticaloa land owner murdered

[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
K. Murugesapillai, a Grama Sevaka and land owner noted for his affluence, was found dead in a barn in his paddy field at Panichchenai, near Unnichchai, 30 km north-west of Batticaloa on Wednesday morning.
Full story >>

Editor's home shot at

[TamilNet, Thursday, 18 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The home of Lasantha Wickramatunge, controversial editor of the Sunday Leader newspapers, was sprayed with bullets last night around 11:30 p.m., by an unidentified gang, said journalist sources.
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BBC broadcasts irk censor

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Sri Lanka's Competent Authority on press censorship, Maj. Gen. Jaliya Nammuni has ordered the chairman and director general of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) to take action against the BBC for broadcasting news on the war which have to be subject to the censorship regulations.
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Indian parties said urging pressure

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) Douglas Devananda said yesterday political leaders in Tamil Nadu have told him that the opposition and the Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka press the Sri Lankan government at this juncture when the renewed support for the Sri Lankan Tamils in Tamil Nadu has helped them (the Tamil Nadu leaders) to bring pressure on Colombo through the Indian government.
Full story >>

Bodies found in Kalmunai

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two dead bodies with gunshot injuries were discovered yesterday morning close to the wall of Ramakrishnan Mission School in Kalmunai, 38 km south of Batticaloa in the eastern province. They are believed to have been murdered Monday night, said sources.
Full story >>

Travel restrictions eased for festival

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The ban on travelling through Pungudutheevu to Nainatheevu will be lifted for of the annual festival (Thiruvila) at the Nagapooshani Amman Temple which begins on June 25. The New travel regulations were finalised at a high level meeting held on Monday at the 512 brigade head quarters.
Full story >>

Two arrested in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two employees of the Batticaloa Municipal Council were arrested on Monday around 10 a.m. by the Sri Lankan Army's Intelligence unit. The Commissioner for the Batticaloa Municipal Council has brought this matter the Co-ordinating officer (CO).
Full story >>

Peradeniya students involved in ragging expelled

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Three students have been expelled and another suspended, for one year, from the University of Peradeniya for ragging Mr. Varapiragash, a junior student, to his death, said sources at the University. Mr. Varapiragash died in a Colombo hospital in October last year due to kidney failure that developed following the severe ragging.
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Demonstrators criticize calls for peace

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An organisation calling itself "Peace Loving Citizens of Sri Lanka" marched in the capital Colombo today and handed over memorandums to the British and the Norwegian High Commissions, demanding that their governments ban the Liberation Tigers. The demonstrators also called on the Sri Lankan government to punish those who called for negotiations with the LTTE.
Full story >>

Jaffna students to compete in 'mini Olympics'

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Contrary to an earlier announcement, the Jaffna University team will participate in the inter-University Sports meet which is scheduled to be held at the Ruhuna University in the southern province later this year, said Jaffna University officials.
Full story >>

TELO intelligence group arrested

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A member of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO), attached to the ex-militant organisation's intelligence group, is reported to have been shot dead by suspected Liberation Tigers on Saturday, said TELO sources in Batticaloa.
Full story >>

Bishop's report on disappearances

[TamilNet, Sunday, 14 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Bishop of Mannar has written a detailed report of the disappearance of 4 civilians on 26 May 98, and the subsequent discovery of their bodies in a remote area. All 4 had been shot, and evidence indicating Sri Lankan soldiers may have been involved was found, says the report.
Full story >>

News in Brief

[TamilNet, Saturday, 13 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Provincial Ministry has allocated one million rupees to chlorine ten thousand wells in the Jaffna Peninsula, ICRC hired ship is anchored for repairs and tremor in Batticaloa.
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Security concerns for Jaffna TULF members

[TamilNet, Saturday, 13 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Mr. V. Anandasangaeri, Vice President of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) has appealed to Brigadier Susantha Mendis, the Jaffna Brigade Commander, to provide security for the TULF members in the Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) and other party members in the Peninsula, said TULF sources in Jaffna.
Full story >>

New Jaffna Mayor appointed

[TamilNet, Friday, 12 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Mr. Sivapalan, Tamil United Liberation Front's (TULF) legal advisor has been appointed as the new mayor of Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC). Sri Lankan Commissioner of Elections confirmed his appointment yesterday.
Full story >>

New Regulations for foreign investors

[TamilNet, Thursday, 11 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
It will become mandatory for foreigners who want to invest or enter into project contracts in Sri Lanka to operate through local agents according to a Sri Lankan cabinet decision announced to the press in Colombo yesterday.
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UNP has 30 days to submit Proposals - PA

[TamilNet, Thursday, 11 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan government will consider a referendum if the country's main opposition party, the UNP, does not submit its counter proposals to the ruling People's Alliance package for constitutional changes in a month said Sri Lanka's minister for justice and deputy minister for finance G.L Pieris today answering questions from the media at the weekly cabinet press briefing in Colombo.
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Air-strike kills 20 civilians -LTTE

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 10 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
More than 20 civilians were killed and more than 50 were critically injured when two Kfir jets belonging to the Sri Lankan Air Force carried out a massive bombing raid on the civilian habitations at 9.15 am this morning in Suthanthirapuram area of Mullaitivu district, said the Libeartion Tigers in a press release issued from International Secretariat in London this evening.
Full story >>

SLA concealing casualties - MP

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 10 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Mr. Joseph Pararajahsingham MP (TULF), when contacted by Tamil Net's European Correspondent, said today that he believes the number of casualties sustained in the recent fighting by the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) are higher than the figures announced by the Deputy Defence Minister, General Anurudha Ratwatte, in parliament today.
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Attempt to disfranchise Hill country Tamils?

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 10 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Voters in Sri Lanka's hill country, home to a large Tamil population working in the tea industry, will be asked to produce their national identity cards to qualify for voting at the forthcoming provincial council elections, said sources in Colombo. Sri Lanka's Commissioner of Elections Mr.Dayananda Dissanayaka, who will be meeting the secretaries of political parties on Wednesday, is expected to advise them to pass a bill in Parliament to enable the elections department to demand national identity cards from hill country voters.
Full story >>

Emergency Regulations extended

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 10 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Emergency Regulations were extended for another month in the Sri Lankan Parliament today. 109 MPs voted for the extension and 87 voted against.
Full story >>

UNP proposes 'no confidence' motion

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 10 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Parliamentary Committee of the main Sri Lankan opposition party, the United National Party (UNP), which met in Colombo today decided to propose a motion no-confidence against the Sri Lankan Government.
Full story >>

Another Kilinochchi advance repulsed-LTTE

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Over 75 Sri Lankan Army soldiers were killed and over 200 injured in the fresh fighting that broke out yesterday in Kilinochchi as the SLA launched another offensive to recapture the northern town, said the LTTE in a press release issued yesterday from its International Secretariat in London. Western analysts say that they expect fighting to continue in the area in the short term.
Full story >>

Permanent Magistrate to expedite Kumarapuram hearings

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The hopes of expediting hearings on the Kumarapuram massacre case at the Muttur Magistrate Court were revived with the appointment of a permanent magistrate for Muttur on June 1, said sources in Trincomalee.
Full story >>

Jaffna courts closed

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
All courts of law in the Jaffna peninsula were closed yesterday until further notice, said sources in the north today. Hand written notices from the court registrars, informing the public about the closure, were placed outside the courts this morning. No one showed up for work this morning at the courts.
Full story >>

Vavuniya MP escapes attack

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Unidentified gunmen attacked the residence of Mr. Vaithialingam Balachandran, Democratic People's Liberation Front (DPLF) member of Parliament for Vavuniya, at Pandaarikulam, 1.5 km from Vavuniya town, yesterday evening around 6.45 p.m, said PLOTE sources. The MP escaped unhurt in the attack.
Full story >>

US Court rules on First Amendment case

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The United States Court for the Central District of California yesterday ruled that the actions of the World Tamil Coordinating Committee (WTCC) which distributed LTTE literature and informational materials on LTTE throughout the United States were protected by the First Amendment and accordingly the Plaintiffs were entitled to a preliminary injunction on this ground but denied the Plaintiffs' motion for injunction with respect to provision of material support to the LTTE and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Full story >>

Batticalloa village youths clash

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A clash between the youths from two suburban villages of Batticaloa last night, left 12 persons injured and tension in the air, said sources in Batticaloa. Problems surfaced when youngsters from Ariyampathy village, 12 km south of Batticaloa, were assaulted by the villagers from Puthukudiyiruppu when they were dancing at the Puthukudiyiruppu Kannakai Amman Kovil celebrations last night around 1:00 a.m. The dance had taken place during a music recital.
Full story >>

Grenade injures Senior Police Officer

[TamilNet, Monday, 08 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An Assistant Superindentent of Police (ASP), Shanthikumar, was critically wounded when a grenade was lobbed at his car today around 1.45 p.m. in Colombo, said police sources there when contacted by Tamil Net. The incident took place near Chetti Street-Kochchikkadi police check post.
Full story >>

Man arrested for funding LTTE

[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An auto-rickshaw driver was arrested by the Counter Subversive Unit (CSU) of the Batticaloa police in Chinna Oorani, 4 km Northwest of Batticaloa, on Thursday around 5:00 a.m, said sources. He was charged with contributing money to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Full story >>

Former deserter commits suicide

[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A soldier committed suicide by shooting himself at Sittandy Sri Lanka Army (SLA) camp, 26 km north of Batticaloa, this morning, said Sri Lankan sources in Europe today.
Full story >>

SLA Mankulam thrust repulsed

[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Fresh fighting erupted today between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lankan Army near Ampakamam, when the troops of Operation Jayasikurui made a fresh attempt to capture the strategic Mankulam junction, today, said an LTTE official in Europe.
Full story >>

57 SLA bodies returned

[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The bodies of 57 Sri Lankan Army (SLA) soldiers captured by the Liberation Tigers (LTTE) in recent fighting were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) yesterday, said sources close to the LTTE in Europe today.
Full story >>

Two shot dead in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two fishermen, Chellaiah Anantharaja (26) and Thangaraja Pushparaja (21) were shot dead by the Special Task Force (STF) at Periyaneelavani, near Kalmunai, 32 km south of Batticaloa last Tuesday around 10:00 a.m, said human rights sources.
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Ex-TELO Member shot dead

[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Mr. Michael Gregory Cruz (45), a former member of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) was shot dead by suspected the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Valaichenai town, 32 km north of Batticaloa, on Thursday around 10:00 a.m., said TELO sources.
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Priests die in airstrike

[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two Christian priests were killed in a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) airstrike on 4 June whilst travelling through Kanakampikaikkulam in the Kilinochchi district said sources close to the LTTE in Europe today.
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Temple festival in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Saturday, 06 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The 'mahakumbaabishkam' (consecration) of the Sri Thaanthondriswar temple in Kokkadicholai, 25 km west of Batticaloa, will take place tomorrow, said sources in Batticaloa.
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Former Chamber of commerce chief murdered

[TamilNet, Saturday, 06 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A businessman, S. Namasivayam, 57, was murdered yesterday around 3.00 p.m. in Koddady near Jaffna town centre. The Sri Lankan Polices has arrested two men on suspicion, said sources in Jaffna.
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Sri Lanka imposes censorship

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan President imposed censorship on the local and foreign press today. The new regulations prohibit the 'publication and transmission' of 'sensitive military information'. The clamp down on the press comes in the wake of heavy fighting in the northern Vanni region where the Sri Lanka Army's (SLA) Operation 'Jeya Sikurui' is facing stiff resistance from the Liberation Tigers (LTTE).
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Heavy fighting in the Vanni

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Heavy fighting was reported in separate locations in the Vanni today. Pitched battles are said to have taken place today in the Ampakamam, Moonru Murippu and Kilinochchi regions, when Sri Lanka Army (SLA) thrusts were repulsed by the Liberation Tigers (LTTE). The Tigers also said in the Vanni today that a major SLA assault in the Kilinochchi region yesterday was repulsed with heavy casualties.
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Three female Batticaloa students 'disappear'

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Three female students studying in the ninth grade at Kaluthaavalai Mahaviththiyalayam (secondary school), near Kaluvanchikudy, 25 km south of Batticaloa, went missing on May 31 and have not been heard of since, said sources in Batticaloa today.
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Tributes to Charles Abeysekera

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An array of notable individuals, including political leaders, intellectuals, aesthetes and human rights activists hailed the work of the late Charles Abeysekera (1926-1998), at a commemoration ceremony held in Colombo yesterday evening.
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Conflicting casualty claims

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Over 100 soldiers were killed and many more wounded when the Tigers counter attacked the Sri Lankan Army which tried to advance towards Kilinochchi in two directions backed by Air Force jets and artillery yesterday, said the Liberation Tigers in the Vanni today.
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Eleven Tigers killed

[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An Army captain was killed and two soldiers wounded when the Liberation Tigers fired mortars on the Sri Lankan Army base at Elephant Pass base, north of Kilinochchi, last night at around 9.30 p.m., said SLA sources.
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Jaffna homeowners return to find rubble

[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Last Sunday, the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) allowed 150 people, from 75 families, to go and inspect their homes in the villages of Iyakkachchi, Kottandan Kulam and Uraniyan Patru. The civilians were escorted by the army and checked at the SLA post in Tharmakerni.
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Civilians wounded in Akkaraippattu

[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Fourteen civilians were wounded when the Sri Lankan Police opened fire following a grenade attack by suspected members of the Liberation Tigers, in Akkaraippattu town, southeast of Amparai, this morning, said sources there.
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SLA operation in Kilinochchi

[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Fighting is reported between the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) and the Liberation Tigers (LTTE) in the Kilinochchi area, south of Elephant Pass. The fighting erupted when the SLA launched a fresh offensive to advance in the southern direction.
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Transport restriction in Vanni

[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The army announced today that transport between the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) controlled and the LTTE controlled areas in the Vanni, through Madhu junction, 30 km west of Vavuniya on the Vavuniya-Mannar road, will not be permitted until further notice.
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Explosions around telephone exchanges

[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A bomb was found at the Kaluvanchikkudy telecommunication exchange at around 7.30 a.m. this morning and was later diffused by the Special Task Force (STF) of the Sri Lankan Police, said sources. This building was damaged last Saturday in a bomb explosion.
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Heavy casualties in Kilinochchi

[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Heavy fighting has broken out in the Kilinochchi area between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lankan Army. Fighting went on for 10 hours and casualties are believed to be heavy on both sides, said sources in Vavuniya.
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State media calls for blood donors

[TamilNet, Thursday, 04 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Sri Lankan state owned radio stations and television networks announced this evening that the central blood bank is in need of blood and will be opened from 8 a.m till 8 p.m tomorrow in order receive blood from donors.
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Trinco SLA claim success

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Sri Lankan Army (SLA) sources said that their troops had successfully completed an operation against the Liberation Tigers (LTTE) in the Trincomalee district, destroying three abandoned LTTE camps in the region.
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Pungudutheevu no go area - SLA

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A press statement issued last night from the Sri Lankan Security Forces headquarters, at Palaly in Jaffna, stated that those who want to travel to the islands off Jaffna will no longer be allowed to go through Kurikadduvan in Pungudutheevu and will have to travel through Kyts instead.
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Attempt to surround Mankulam abandoned

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An attempt by the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) to surround the strategic Mankulam junction from the northern direction is said have been temporarily abandoned, said sources today.
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Jaffna Dep. Mayor resigns

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Deputy Mayor for the Jaffna Municipal council(JMC), Mr. Thambapillai Thirunavukkarasu resigned from his position today. He sent a copy of his resignation letter to the Uthayan, the only Tamil daily in Jaffna, around 9 p.m.
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Seven SLA soldiers killed in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Seven Sri Lankan Army soldiers were killed and twelve wounded when the Liberation Tigers attacked an army bus in Eluthumadduval in the Jaffna peninsula today, said sources.
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Tigers shell Vavunatheevu SLA camp

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers shelled the Vavunatheevu Sri Lankan Army camp, 5 km northwest of Batticaloa by the western shore of the Batticaloa lagoon, from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. today, said sources in Batticaloa.
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Trouble in Yala again

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A Sri Lankan Army (SLA) sergeant was killed and 7 other soldiers were wounded when unidentified gunmen opened fire at an army vehicle, near Yale sanctuary on the Buttala-Kadhirgamam road in the southern Sri Lanka, today said SLA sources.
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SLA opens new front?

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Fighting is reported between the Liberation Tigers and the troops of Operation Jeyasikurui in the Vanni forward areas this morning, said sources. Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troops and the LTTE continued to exchange mortar fire, said sources in Vavuniya.
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Senior TULF official protests

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Members of Parliament and local government bodies of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) should resign if the Sri Lankan government does not stop the war and take steps to find a political solution to the ethnic problem within four months said the Valigamam North Pradeshya Sabha member, Mr. Paskaran (TULF), in a letter he sent today to the President of the party, Mr. M.Sivasithamparam.
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Two Jaffna women missing

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Two young women were reported missing since Saturday in Madduvil in the Thenmaradchi sector of the Jaffna peninsula. It is not known yet known what had happened to them and their relatives are searching for them, said sources in Jaffna.
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Colombo transformer destroyed

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
An electricity transformer exploded in Kadawatte, a suburb of the Sri Lankan capital Colombo around 3.30 a.m. today, said sources. Oil leaking from a container on the transformer is believed to have caused the explosion, sources said.
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Ratwatte visits Vanni

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Deputy Defence Minister Gen. Anurudha Ratwatte visited the forward areas of Operation Jeyasikurui today and discussed the situation with the commanders.
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Harassment said increasing in Cheddikkulam

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Army harassment of the public in Cheddikkulam is said to be steadily increasing following the LTTE's attack on a SLA convoy last month said residents in the region. 13 soldiers were killed and 37 wounded in the attack.
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Jaffna Kachcheri area searched

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 02 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) conducted intense cordon and search operations in Vadamaradchi, Madduvil and near the Jaffna Kachcheri on Sunday, said sources. The SLA cordoned off Karaveddi, Nelliady, Rajakiramam, Arasadi, etc. from the early hours of the morning around 4 a.m.
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Mankulam fighting continues - SLA

[TamilNet, Monday, 01 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Heavy fighting broke out between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lankan Army yesterday in the general area of Mankulam, when the troops engaged in Operation Jayasikurui made a fresh attempt to advance from their positions around 10.45 a.m. said LTTE sources in Europe.
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Bomb blast in tea plant

[TamilNet, Monday, 01 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A tea factory in Hatton in the Central Province was heavily damaged in a bomb explosion around 2 a.m. today said sources. Several hundred thousand rupees worth of machinery were also damaged in the blast, they added.
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Fisherman killed by Navy fire

[TamilNet, Monday, 01 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
One fisherman was killed when the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) opened fire at two fishing boats around 10.30 a.m. today, in the seas of Pulmoddai 51 km north of Trincomalee, said sources in the eastern port town today. Both fishing boats were also destroyed, added the sources.
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SLA claims Mankulam advance

[TamilNet, Monday, 01 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Nine Liberation Tigers were killed in fierce fighting that erupted when troops of Operation Jayasikurui tried to capture the Thunukkai-Mallavi junction west of Mankulam, said Sri Lanka Army (SLA) sources today. The troops destroyed six LTTE bunkers and captured the junction, the sources added.
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Police commander found dead

[TamilNet, Monday, 01 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The body of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dharmasiri Weerakoonwho, the chief of the Special Task Force (STF), was discovered at around 6.30 a.m. today, said Police sources in Colombo. He went missing yesterday while swimming in the sea at Beruwala, a tourist resort 55 kilometres south of Colombo, the sources added.
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Burning of Jaffna Library Remembered

[TamilNet, Monday, 01 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
People in Jaffna will wear black ribbon today to mark the burning of the Jaffna Public Library 17 years ago, said PLOTE and EPRLF sources in Jaffna. The library, burnt to the ground on the 1st of June 1981 by Sri Lankan Police, contained the largest collection of Tamil literature in Asia, a collection that included many irreplaceable manuscripts.
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