Tigers breach Kalmadukulam Tank

by Shanika SRIYANANDA

The LTTE had blasted the Kalmadukulam Tank bund causing heavy floods in Ramanathapuram, Dharmapuram and Vishwamadu, yesterday morning as a last resort to block the troops, advancing towards Mullaitivu.

The military sources in Mullaitivu confirmed that the blast had breached the massive tank, which supplies water to over 500 acres in the area.

Kalmadukulam tank which extent to an area of five square km, is the second largest reservoir in the Kilinochchi region. It was at spill level due to the recent north east monsoon.

Informed sources also said that the LTTE had damaged the tank to prevent civilians from fleeing into safer areas.

It is the first time the outfit has destroyed a reservoir although the Tigers made an attempt earlier to destroy the Iranamadukulam Tank bund to prevent troops entering Kilinochchi.

After a fierce battle the troops of the 55 division had gained full control of Chundikulam lagoon that connects the mainland with the Jaffna Peninsula.

The Deputy GOC of the 55 Division, Brig. Nissanka Ranawana said that this was the first time that the troops had crossed a lagoon during the present military offensives.

The troops of the 8th Vijayaba Infantry Regiment of the 552 Brigade have also gained full control of the Chundikulam Island. The troops were able to recover three LTTE bodies, weapons and several boats including a large attack craft. A temporary bridge was built by the troops to get cross the lagoon.

Meanwhile, another eight feet tall earth bund, a stretch of over two kilometres built by the LTTE at the far end of the Chundikulam border, was also discovered.

Over 900 civilians from Nagar Kovil, Chundikulam and Kilinochchi have crossed over to Chundikulam, after troops fully liberated the area.