The LTTE blasted the Kalmadukulam tank bund yesterday, flooding a section of the A-35 Paranthan- Pooneryn main road, Dharmapuram and Visvamadu, as troops advanced towards the Visvamadu area,worsening the plight of civilians trapped there, the Defence Ministry said.
The Tigers used high explosives to trigger the detonation, the Ministry further said.
Meanwhile, during last week’s operations, security forces discovered two LTTE mine-manufacturing factories about 500 metres east of the eastern edge of the Udayarkattukulam tank in Mullaithivu. The factories contained chemicals, explosive substances, metal balls, batteries, detonator cords, flexible wires and gas cylinders, the Defence Ministry said.
These discoveries were made as troops pushed further into the last remaining LTTE bastion in Mullaithivu.
Last week troops also gained control of an LTTE satellite base west of Puthukudiyirippu, and seized weapons, after a heavy exchange of gunfire.
Troops also found an earth moving machine, used by the LTTE for the construction of earth bunds and trenches, close to the mine factory.
Meanwhile, a group of Bishops in a statement issued last week welcomed the initiative by the military to set up safe zones for civilians in the uncleared areas of the Wanni. The Bishops called on the LTTE to reciprocate and demonstrate its concern for these civilians by enabling the people to use these safety zones.
They also requested the government to make the safety zones even more accesible by inviting the ICRC, UNHCR and independent Tamils including religious leaders, professionals and counsellors to help facilitate the process.
The statement was issued by Rt. Rev Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Thomas Savundranayagam, Roman Catholic Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph, Roman Catholic Bishop of Mannar, Rt. Rev. Norbert Andradi, Roman Catholic Bishop of Anuradhapura and Rt. Rev. Kumara Ilangasinghe, Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala.
|
| Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, visiting the Wanni on Friday.
Pix courtesy Army Media |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pictures show the two LTTE mine manufacturing factories |
|
E-mail