Factional fighting in North-East
 

by Asanga Warnakulasuriya

Factional fighting continued in the North and East as LTTE cadres allegedly launched an attack on a paramilitary camp in Sorivil, Welikanda killing five and critically injuring two, military sources said. The paramilitary cadres' bodies were lying near a river in Sorivil till yesterday morning while the injured were rushed to Polonnaruwa Hospital, reports said.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake told the Daily News that the confrontation had taken place on New Year's day in Sorivil, a remote village in Polonnnaruwa district.

"We believe that this attack was yet another indication of on-going desperation of the LTTE," the Brigadier said.

Meanwhile, in another incident in Mahindapura, LTTE cadres had allegedly fired in the direction of Mahindapura Army camp. Although no one was injured, Brigadier Ratnayake said it was a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The military spokesman said the Upparu and Mahindapura incidents show the LTTE's desperate attempts to provocate the military.

"They wanted us to retaliate. But the Armed Forces will uphold the truce agreement with great patience and tolerance," the Brigadier said.