No peace campaigns warns SLA

[TamilNet, Thursday, 11 January 2001, 16:42 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army on Wednesday issued hand-bills and announced over radio in Batticaloa, appealing to people not become offenders by organising rallies or protests demanding a cease-fire. In a similar announcement last week, the army said that severe action would be taken against those who participate or organise peace rallies.

A hand bill issued by the SLA titled 'People of Batticaloa' states "the government is prepared for negotiations; but a cease-fire is not necessary for it. Terrorists have to be eliminated to create peace. It is our duty to do that."

The SLA charged that it was supporters and front organisations of the LTTE who are organising these protests demanding the government to reciprocate positively to their "fraudulent cease-fire" and warned the people "not take part in these protests".

"Do not become offenders by participating in these protests" the army announced.