Vatican informed of LTTE presence in Madhu church

Mannar diocese express concern:

By our defence correspondent

The Mannar diocese has expressed concern over the heavy LTTE presence in the Madhu church sanctuary and the church premises and brought to the notice of the Vatican the overall situation in the sacred area, Vicar General of the Mannar diocese Rev. Fr. Victor Sosai said.

Commenting on the present situation in the Madhu church premises Rev. Victor Sosai told the Sunday Observer since the statue of Our Lady of Madhu was removed for safety to St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Thevanpiddy in the Mannar region, the church zone was more like a battle zone with the heavy presence of LTTE cadres.

“The Mannar diocese has even informed the LTTE hierarchy in Killinochchi over the presence of LTTE cadres with heavy weapons in the church premises.

However, there was hardly any sign of armed cadres leaving the premises. Almost all the important buildings including the meditation centre which is currently being built with around sixty rooms with assistance from the Vatican and Germany has also been occupied by the cadres.

The Mannar diocese has also asked the Security Forces to keep away from the church region as much as possible.

“We do not want a chaotic situation in the sacred area with a big human disaster. The response from the Armed Forces so far is positive,” Rev. Victor Sosai said.

Elaborating on the situation, he said that along with the statue of Our Lady of Madhu all important items including church documents have been removed. The priests who were staying in the church have also left the church and only the furniture is left.

“The Mannar diocese has also apprised the Vatican of the situation. We do not want heavy clashes breaking out in the shrine region and called upon the LTTE’s political wing leader P. Nadesan to keep away from the shrine and refrain from fighting,” the Vicar General said.