In view of the ongoing military offensive led by the Sri Lankan military in Wanni and Colombo’s assertion that they are within a few kilometers of Kilinochchi, the LTTE’s administrative headquarters, PALLAVI SINGH explains the ramifications of the current offensive.

•Is there any significance behind the timing of the offensive?

It is the culmination of the Lankan military’s efforts to systematically obliterate the LTTE and a peaking of the steady territorial gains since July 2006. The Tigers stand isolated and the Sri Lankan Government has made the most of the support of the international community. However, questions are being raised about the conduct of the operation and the human cost.

•How effective is the campaign?

The Lankan military claims to have killed at least 11,000 LTTE cadre since the current phase of hostilities began in July 2006 (after the LTTE abandoned the Norway-brokered Ceasefire Agreement) and, on the basis of intelligence reports, the Tigers’ strength is down to less than 5,000.

•Has Kilinochchi ever been under Government control since the Tigers made it their administrative headquarters?

Yes. It was previously captured by the Lankan government in 1997. However, the Mahinda Rajapaksa government’s claim is that this time around, the LTTE is “encircled” rather than the operation being confined to certain pockets in LTTE-controlled areas. It says this is the “beginning of the end of the LTTE”.

•What are the main concerns of the international community?

There are at least 1,60,000 internally displaced persons in LTTE-controlled Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts according to a report by the Inter Agency Standing Commission, under the aegis of the UN. The overriding concern is about the plight of these civilians caught in the crossfire.

... contd.