Onna story eka ---Attha nattha mama dannne Na
Army enters Kilinochchi as Tigers withdraw suddenly
In a sudden and dramatic development the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) withdrew from the heavily fortified northern town of Kilinochchi while soldiers of the Sri Lankan armed forces began moving in cautiously into the town area.
Speculation is rife that the capture of Kilinochchi is likely to be announced officially by President Mahinda Rajapakse in an Island – wide address to the nation in Sinhala and Tamil on the evening of Thursday November 27th.
Though Kilinochchi is virtually encircled by the army at the moment and its fall is imminent, the Government is delaying such announcement so that President Rajapakse derives maximum propaganda mileage by stating so personally on Nov 27th evening.
The President is expected to address the nation at the same time that LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakharan is scheduled to deliver his annual “Maaveerar thinam” or Great Heroes day address on Nov 27th.
According to authoritative sources the LTTE began vacating certain areas of Kilinochchi during the night of Tuesday November 25th.
This was after soldiers of 57 – 2 brigade entered the general area of Kilinochchi town near the Bus depot junction.
The soldiers had earlier broken out from Akkarayankulam and reached Konavil junction. Thereafter the troops had reached Puthumurippukulam and proceeded via the tank bund to reach Kanagapuram and then moved towards the Us depot junction.
Simultaneously troops from 58 division had fought their way through Paambukaman from Kunchuparanthan area and moved very close to Paranthan junction. Paranthan is 4 miles to the north of Kilinochchi.
Once troops began entering Kilinochchi town LTTE cadres had begun withdrawing . This process continued throughout Wednesday November 26th which incidently is the 54th birthday of tiger chief Velupillai Prabakharan
Mortar fire by the LTTE had begun decreasing gradually with all fire ceasing by the afternoon.
The army in turn began spreading out around the town “slowly and steadily” during Nov 26th and encircled the town in semi- circle formation.
This information was not officially announced as the Government wanted President Rajapakse to “give out the good news” even as the tiger chief was making his speech on Nov 27th.
Specific instructions had been given to the armed forces to seize Kilinochchi before November 27th so that the announcement could be made on great heroes day itself.
Posters have been printed in advance and will be plastered on walls after the President makes a formal announcement.
Plans are also afoot to stage a grand ceremony in Kilinochchi where the national flag would be hoisted in the town even as the sacrificial flame is lit by Prabakharan at the great heroes day ceremony.
A team of selected media personnel is to be taken to Kilinochchi this evening depending on weather conditions.
Troops of 58 division and 57 division are currently moving into Kilinochchi town interior cautiously. The idea is to “envelope” the town peripherally instead of plunging in right away.
The LTTE withdrawal has made the army suspicious of an ulterior motive . So troops are not rushing in but are treading warily.
A possible counter – strike by the LTTE is also not ruled out.
The LTTE lost “Col” Stanley who was in charge of tiger defences along the Paranthan – Pooneryn road in the fighting along with around 150 tiger cadres.
Soldiers of the 58 and 57 divisions moved towards the general area of Kilinochchi from three directions and later spread out widely to several positions on the outskirts.
The LTTE had constructed an “L” shaped earth bund extending from Paranthan – Pooneryn road to the South of Kilinochchi town.
The army however succeeded in breaching the bund in seven different locations.
Heavy rains and flash floods had hindred both the army and LTTE in fighting.
According to informed sources the army was getting ready for the long haul as they expected the LTTE to defend fiercely so as to prevent soldiers entering Kilinochchi before Nov 27th.
They were in for a pleasant surprise when the LTT began withdrawing.
Why the LTTE withdrew instead of holding out for at least 48 hours more so that Nov 27th would pass remains a mystery but according to military circles the three days of torrential rain may have played a part as all tiger defensive positions have been flooded.
The tigers were also finding it difficult to move their mortars and heavy artillery.
Meanwhile Defence affairs spokesman and cabinet minister Keheliya Rambukwella told journalists in Colombo that the “fall of Kilinochchi was imminent”.
thama mehe mokuth kiyanne ne
