Lankan army launches offensive to prevent poll eve attacks

Lankan army launches offensive to prevent poll eve attacks
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

COLOMBO, SEPT 3: Sri Lankan army has begun a major offensive to deter the LTTE from launching pre-emptive strikes to recapture northern Jaffna peninsula before the general elections and prevent the rebels from infiltrating into the army-controlled areas.

While residents and poll officials from Jaffna confirmed on telephone sounds of heavy explosions in the Thenmarachi sector, in the outskirts of the town, media reported army making effective use of multi-barrel rocket-launchers, imported recently from Pakistan.

``Rocket-launchers spewed out hundreds of shells, second after second. Artillery shell rained in rapid succession. They were accompanied by rocket-propelled grenades. Low-flying interceptor jets fired on suspected targets,'' said the Sunday Times newspaper.

There was no immediate official explanation by the army for resumption of the operations after it stabilised string of territorial losses during a counter-offensive by the LTTE in the peninsula in early this year. Whether it was a prelude to launch an operation or full-fledged offensive before the polls was not clear, the newspaper said.

As the high-ranking officials, including Chief of Defence Staff Lt Gen Rohan Daluwatte, took their positions at the security headquarters in Jaffna, the navy also stepped up patrolling in the North, the Times said.

Significantly, the barrage of army-fire started on August 29, when the process for filing of nominations papers for the October 10 elections for the 225-seat Parliament began.

Despite threats from LTTE, 14 Tamil and Sinhalese parties filed their nomination papers for the nine Parliament seats in Jaffna itself.

With a series of intelligence alerts pointing to a possible attack by the LTTE in Jaffna, the army began its counter-offensive.

Army sources said by launching the offensive early, the military has the advantage of pressing ahead with it.

``It all depends how the LTTE withstands it. And if they wilt under pressure, we might make an attempt to recapture the lost ground in Jaffna,'' they said.

Politically, such a development would be very advantageous for President Chandrika Kumaratunga's ruling People Alliance, which is making a concerted bid to recapture power.

Her party sources said they would be happier if the army prevents any LTTE offensive to recapture Jaffna.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Government has imported a fleet of bullet-proof cars for top ruling party politicians to campaign during the polls amid fears of assassinations, officials said.

The vehicles were ordered together with fast motorbikes for bodyguards following reports LTTE may try to target politicians during the election drive, they said.