The Hindu : International : Sense of uncertainty on eve of Heroes' Day

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 27, 2004

International

International

Sense of uncertainty on eve of Heroes' Day

By V.S. Sambandan

COLOMBO, NOV. 26. A sense of uncertainty hit Sri Lanka on the eve of the annual Heroes' Day speech by the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), V. Prabakaran, with indications that he "may withdraw" the two-year ceasefire agreement.

A broad suggestion to the effect came from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP, Suresh Premachandran. "We do not know what statement Mr. Prabakaran will make during his speech on November 27.

Latest flashpoint

There is a possiility that he may withdraw the ceasefire agreement." Mr. Premachandran told Parliament on Thursday, just before proceedings adjourned amidst an unresolved sit-in protest by Tamil MPs against attacks on a Tamil MP and civilians in the northern Mannar and Vavuniya districts.

The latest flashpoint is a culmination of internecine fighting between rebel factions and recent skirmishes over the hoisting of the LTTE's flag — which was also declared by the Tigers as the "Tamil Eelam national flag" — by the rebels in Government — held towns in the north and east as part of the week-long Heroes' Day observations, which end tomorrow. Tension was also reported today from the eastern Trincomalee port town, where Sinhalese protestors took to the streets demanding removal of an LTTE flag.

Tomorrow's speech by Mr. Prabakaran, who turned 50 today, would be watched for the position issues such as the ceasefire agreement, resumption of talks and a reiteration to a federal solution.

The build-up to this year's Heroes' Day speech — the first major public statement by Mr. Prabakaran since the revolt by the LTTE special commander, `Col.' Karuna this March — is marked by internecine killings as well as scuffles between the rebels and the security forces. According to reports, `Col.' Karuna is also scheduled to make a speech to mark Heroes' Day, to be broadcast over a private radio station.

The latest in the list of anti-LTTE operatives killed was Rangappa, a member of the Eelam National Democratic Liberation Front (ENDLF), Rangappa, who was shot dead in Colombo last night.

Over the past week, the LTTE flag-hoisting occasions were a recurring bone of contention between the rebels and the security forces in Government-held north-eastern towns.

`Provocative act'

The ceasefire agreement permits "unarmed" LTTE cadres to carry out "political work" in Government held areas, but one of the ground rules was that the LTTE would not hoist its flag in Government-held areas as it would be a "provocative act," barred by the ceasefire agreement. The fracas hit a rough patch earlier this week in the northern Mannar district, with several civilians and cadres, including a Tamil MP, sustaining injuries. The LTTE and the military blamed each other for the incidents.

The Defence Ministry, in a statement today said the LTTE had "directed gunfire" at security forces "in retaliation against the removal of an LTTE flag" hoisted "inside a public ground" on Thursday. After officials from the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) "failed to get the LTTE flag lowered and returned helplessly" Sri Lankan troops "were compelled to remove the LTTE flag" last evening, following which they "came under fire from an LTTE gunman who was in hiding close to the place of the incident."

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