Batticaloa accord rousing welcome to LTTE political group

[TamilNet, Friday, 12 April 2002, 18:20 GMT]
Large numbers gathered to accord a rousing welcome to the eleven-member political group of the Liberation Tigers who entered Batticaloa town in the eastern province Friday. The LTTE group, led by Mr Visu, Mr.Visu, Batticaloa-Ampara district Political Secretary, entered the Sri Lanka Army held town through the Paddiruppu bridge. Mr.Wimalasena, Assistant Superintendent of Police of the Special Task Force (STF) was present at the scene, sources said

Several leading members of the Tamil National Alliance, businessmen, students and public received the LTTE members, who were taken in a procession from Paddiruppu Bridge, along the eighty-km route, which was gaily decorated with yellow and red flags, the sources said.

The procession went through the predominantly Muslim towns of Kattankudy, Eravur and Oddamavadi. At Kattankudy, placards and posters stating, "We are united by language irrespective of religion and race" were on display.

Another poster stated "The outcome of the agreement is Tamil-Muslim unity and the entrance of LTTE into the political mainstream."

At the end of the procession a public meeting welcoming the LTTE political group was held at Batticaloa Devanayagam Hall. The LTTE's Batticaloa district political office is located at Thamaraikerni in Batticaloa town.