Forces deny intentional shelling on SLMM members

JAFFNA: The Security Forces yesterday denied and condemned pro-LTTE media allegations on the Security Forces for shelling the Pooneryn area in Jaffna while SLMM representatives were touring the area seeing the feasibility of opening an alternative route to A-9 on the Government's proposals.

In a statement yesterday, the Forces stressed that they were not informed of any SLMM movements in Pooneryn.

Pooneryn is the hub area of LTTE activities against the Security Forces in the Peninsula over the lagoon and sea and is being kept under continuous observation by the troops in forward defences for any suspicious movements, the statement said.

The LTTE used the Pooneryn area to launch attacks against the Security Forces in Mandathivu and Kilaly in August this year.

Troops on the frontlines, around 3.00 p.m. yesterday reported of unusual movements in the uncleared areas in Pooneryn at which point the field commanders engaged the area with artillery to deter and prevent any offensives by the Tigers.