LTTE uses people as human shield - AI

Amnesty International pointed out that the LTTE is holding up thousands of families from moving to safer places by imposing a strict pass system and in some instances forcing some family members to stay behind to ensure the return of the rest of the family, essentially deploying civilians as a human shield.

“These measures seem designed in part to use civilians as a buffer against government forces which is a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” the AI statement said.

It was earlier reported that the LTTE had been carrying out a campaign among civilians, telling them to be prepared to move to the frontlines and help LTTE cadres evacuate their military equipments if forced to flee.

LTTE bunkers destroyed

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets attacked a line of LTTE bunkers in the North yesterday. Defence authorities said the fighter jets struck and completely destroyed the rebel bunker line located eight kilometers east of Nachchikuda in Kilinochchi around 7.20 last morning.

The raid was carried out in support of the troops conducting operations in the area, authorities said. According to the Air Force sources, the attacks were launched in support of the Army Task Force 1 soldiers marching Northwards on the Mannar-Pooneryn Road (A-32).

Protest against Tigers in Vienna

Sri Lankan expatriates and Austrians held a strong protest in Vienna, Austria, against LTTE terrorist activities, in front of the Federal Parliament of Austria. The demonstrators urged the Austrian and other EU governments to condemn LTTE terrorist bombings and their recruitment of child soldiers.

The protesters called for the EU to take urgent action against the terrorist group’s fund-raising activities through front organizations in the EU countries. The Sri Lankan expatriates are concerned that despite the ban in the EU, the LTTE continues to raise funds through fraudulent front organizations for its terrorist activities.

LTTE front organizations have been carrying out malicious false campaigns against Sri Lanka in European capitals, they said.

Devotees attend Mass in Madhu

Hundreds of devotees, following arrangements co-ordinated by the Army, attended Friday’s annual holy mass at the most sacred ‘Our Lady of Madhu’ Shrine in Madhu, which was liberated and renovated by the Security Forces recently. An estimated crowd of 538 attended the afternoon Mass at this holy Shrine, thanks to transport, security and other facilities, organised by the Army.

Lunch packets, refreshments and up and down transport to the shrine from Medawachchiya were provided to the devotees by the Army in view of the religious importance of the holy service.

LTTE smuggling in S. India increases

The LTTE smuggling operations in South India have increased this year, according to the Tamil Nadu State Police. Director General of Police in Tamil Nadu K.P. Jain said they have been keeping a sharp eye on the LTTE activities. “We have booked some of the smugglers who were supplying goods to the LTTE. We are maintaining vigil. But it is a fact that they have been more active this year than last year. We are seized with a problem and will take action,” he said.