Karuna returns as LTTE eyes the East

LTTE renegade Commander Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman returned to Sri Lanka this evening from London. His return was preceded by newspaper reports of the former LTTE 'Colonel' threatening to allegedly return to the ranks of the LTTE.

In Karuna's absence, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan alias Kubeiran became the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province, a post he said he would cede to his superior, Karuna upon his return. It will be interesting to see whether this pledge is actually carried through.

Informed sources told this site that Karuna's return has come at a time when LTTE's current 'Special Commander' to the East, Keerthi and his band of Jeyanthan Brigade cadres are planning to create havoc in the Eastern Province.

The Karuna group, which broke into two groups, became one after Karuna's arrest and detention. After Pillayan became Chief Minister, it became virtually impossible for TMVP cadres to engage in open combat with the growing LTTE units in the East. It is believed that Karuna's return might remedy this situation as the 'Karuna' group starts operating under the former 'Colonel' while the political arm of the TMVP functions under Pillayan.

Meanwhile, in the Western Flank, the 58 Division/Task Force 1 is just 2.5kms south of Veduthalthivu. The 57 Division is also nearing the sea base from the East and has only 3.5kms to go. Tigers have by now vacated much of its mini camps from south of Veduthalthivu.