Security News

• Micro pistol found in Jaffna

On information received from the civilians, security forces who were conducting a search operation uncovered a micro pistol from Manalkadu area in Point Pedro in early hours today, December 18.The recovery was made at 5.45 a.m and a micro pistol and its magazine had been buried in an abandoned land in the area, defence sources in Jaffna said.

• LTTE Continuously receiving losses; 19 terrorists killed, 13 wounded

Nineteen LTTE terrorists were killed and 13 were injured during clashes erupted at Jaffna and Mannar defences this morning, December 17, defence sources said.In four separate incidents reported in Mannar defences, at least 12 LTTE terrorists were killed while 9 were injured sources in Mannar said.

Troops on foot patrol confronted with a group of LTTE terrorists at North of Uilankulam in Mannar around 9.30 a.m today. Ground troops said four LTTE cadres were killed while 5 others were injured in this clash.Meanwhile 2 LTTE cadres were killed in a confrontation erupted at North of Neelachchanai in Mannar around 9.35 a.m. today, defence sources added.

• T-56 weapon, warlike items uncovered

On information received from the civilian sources, security forces uncovered a T-56 weapon and some other warlike items from Madukarai in Mannar testerday, December 17.According to the available information the recovery was made around 12 noon and 60 T-56 ammunition, 2 magazines, 2 detonators and 1M length detonator code were also among the recoveries.

India readies to counter LTTE threats

Against the backdrop of enhanced threat perception emanating to India's security from its vast southern coastline and sea borne intrusions, the Indian Armed Forces are planning a series of joint exercises next year in the southern peninsula.

"This is for the first time that the country's military planners are focusing on threats to the country from the southern peninsula," defence sources told the Times of India.

Frontline fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, along with warships from the Navy and coastguard, and Army formations dedicated to sea borne assaults would be engaged in these exercises designed to ensure safety of vital sea lanes.

The war games have also been planned to deal with threats of intrusions from air and sea lanes by terrorist groups and to deal with sea hijackings, the sources said. Though the Armed Forces had earlier repeatedly sought to play down possible threats from the LTTE for their acquisition of air assets, the series of joint military exercises are planned to cope with such attacks, the sources said.

LTTE offensive bids thwarted: 10 terrorists killed

Ten terrorists were killed yesterday(16) at Jaffna and Vavuniya defences, as security forces continued to pound LTTE bunker positions, security sources said.During a pre-emptive strike launched at LTTE positions ahead of Muhamalai FDLs at around 6.10p.m, troops destroyed an LTTE bunker killing three terrorists, Northern military sources report.

At Vilathikulam in Vavuniya, SLA repulsed two successive LTTE offensive bids killing at least seven terrorists in heavy resistance attacks, yesterday evening security sources said.According to ground sources, no damages were cause to own forces.

Tamil Nadu asked to act against pro-LTTE leaders

Expressing concern over reports of increasing activities of the LTTE in Tamil Nadu, Congress leader and Union Minister E. V. K. S. Elangovan asked the State Government to be vigilant and take action against political leaders expressing support to the banned outfit.

Referring to the reported speech of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal (VC) President Thol Tirumavalavan, an ally of the ruling DMK, in support of the LTTE, he told reporters that the Government should take action against him if there was prima facie evidence.

He also recalled the State DGP's notice last month, announcing a ban on taking out processions, holding public meetings or condolence meetings in support of the LTTE.

Citing reports about the recent arrest of two LTTE cadres in the state, Elangovan said the State Government should be on high alert and take measures to check the activities of the banned outfit.

Pointing out to the release of VC leader Vanniyarasu on bail the same day he was arrested on the charge of supplying computer spare parts to the LTTE, Elangovan cautioned that such incidents would disturb peace in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, speaking at a diploma awarding ceremony for Sri Lankan journalists, organised by the city-based SRM university, Elangovan said the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka could be amicably resolved, but some people in Tamil Nadu were politicising the issue.

Air rehearsal causes panic

A rehearsal carried out by air force created panic in Watala with people in the area getting alarmed after seeing two planes flying with lights off a short while ago. Residents in the area said there was a power cut soon after the flights were sighted. The Air Traffic Control unit of the Katunayake airport confirmed that that it was a rehearsal.

Mega projects for Eastern development

Susantha Punchinilame, Minister of Nation Building and Eastern Development said Rs. 8,000 million has been allocated to develop the Eastern Province from this year's budget and of Rs. 2100 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Nation Building at a press conference held at Ratnapura.

He said Rs. 8,000 million will be invested to develop Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Mullaitivu districts which have 50 divisional secretariat areas including 1208 rural villages and an area of 11514 square kilo metres.

The people living in this areas will be benefited with their basic needs and their living standard will be upgraded. State income will be increased and a population of 1,819,555 will be granted with facilities in the year 2008.