LTTE condemns Kattaiparichchan attack on Tamils

[TamilNet, Saturday, 19 April 2003, 17:27 GMT]
The Trincomalee district political secretariat of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Saturday issued a statement condemning the grenade attack and firing by a Muslim group and Sri Lanka Army (SLA) that killed two Tamil civilians on Friday close to Kattaiparichchan army camp. The camp separates army controlled area and LTTE controlled area in the Muttur east.

"We informed the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) and Muslim religious leaders that the LTTE is not involved in the alleged abduction of two Muslims by some unidentified persons two weeks ago, soon after we came to know of the incident.

"However, Muslims tried to stop Tamils travelling to and from our controlled areas and preventing supply of food reaching LTTE controlled areas. In the meantime a anti-peace group of persons were trying to create trouble between Muslims and Tamils for political gain. Encouraged by these elements Muslims started attacking Tamils and destroying their properties. Tamils soon started retaliating against Muslims.

"We have appealed to our people to exercise restraint. On April 18 Tamils who demanded opening of the main road to Muttur east area were attacked with grenades and gunfire. Two Tamils were killed and fourteen others were injured.

"Attacks of this nature would affect the present peace process. Tamils and Muslims should join hands to identify the elements behind these attacks. Both communities should be vigilant and identify false propaganda and rumours spread by these elements," the LTTE said in its statement.