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| Saturday, 6 March 2004 |
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Karuna takes over LTTE apparatus in Ampara and Batticaloa By Ranil Wijayapala and Ranga Jayasuriya The split in the LTTE widened yesterday with their break away Eastern Commander 'Colonel' 'Karuna reportedly taking over the LTTE apparatus in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts, while an LTTE spokesman speaking to the Daily News from Kilinochchi last night strongly indicated that Karuna was being expelled from the organisation. Tiger leader V. Prabhakaran was reported to have rejected Karuna's demand to act independently and directly administer the Tiger operation in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts which he has styled 'Southern Tamil Eelam,' under the overall leadership of Prabhakaran. An LTTE spokesman speaking to the Daily News from the Tiger Political headquarters in Kilinochchi told the Daily News last night: " How can Karuna be a part of the LTTE when he has violated our founding principles". He described Karuna's revolt as "a problem with an individual". Meanwhile, 'Colonel' Karuna moved swiftly to take full control of the LTTE apparatus in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts. LTTE offices and police stations in uncleared areas were closed. The police station personnel numbering 60 were dispatched to the Wanni, according to reports from the East. The report stated that Ramesh, Karuna's deputy had been replaced by 'Rabat', while Karikalan sacked by Prabhakaran had been reinstated by Karuna as the political wing leader of Batticaloa, replacing Kausalyan. Ramesh and Kaushalyan are now in Kilinochchi and had discussions with the LTTE leadership. The administrative head "Prabha" had been replaced with "Thurai". Karuna was also reported to have sent back a number of Northern cadres to the Wanni. He is expected to have a round of unofficial discussions with security officials in Batticaloa on March 9. LTTE media secretary Daya Master told the Daily News that the Tigers will explain their stance on Karuna at a press conference in Kilinochchi scheduled for today. He claimed: "All eastern commanders have expressed their allegiance to the movement except Karuna. We have no problem with the control of cadres in Batticaloa and Ampara." Karuna in his letter to Prabhakaran has complained that Prabhakaran that the ltte leader has appointed 30 divisional commanders, but not a single had been appointed from Batticaloa or Ampara. He states that to date 4550 fighters had been killed in Batticaloa and Ampara district. "A total of 2248 fighters have obeyed the orders to go to Jaffna and the Wanni. No one can conceal or deny that we have done a tremendous service to the Batticaloa and Ampara districts. We have to face various problems and criticisms when we were fighting in the Wanni," Karuna states referring to the discrimination faced by Eastern cadres when serving in the North. He states that it is very painful that when all the heads of Tamil Eelam divisions and administrative heads tour Kilinochchi town in luxury vehicles, members of the Jeyanthan regiment from Batticaloa and Ampara remain on full time duty at checkpoint in Palai. He poses the question how can this be reasonable and goes on to say: " At this time of peace all fighters like to be with their relatives in their home areas. It is my feeling that up to now they have rendered an invaluable service to the people of 'North Tamil Eelam', sacrificing their lives. At this time I like to serve the people of 'South Tamil Eelam' , not only that, it is my final wish to fight for these people here itself and die at their feet. I do not like any other person interfering in these matters". Continuing his letter to Prabhakaran, Karuna states: "We do not want to desert you. We look to you as our god. Sometimes this decision of ours can anger you. The reason is that I do not like to commit the historical mistake of not disclosing to you the hopes of the people and the fighters here and not respecting their feelings." "If you believe in the people here and the fighters here allow us to work independently under your leadership". |
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