US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO424

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000424 
 
SIPDIS 
 
OFFICIAL INFORMAL 
 
FOR SA/INS 
 
E.O. 12958:  DECL:  03/09/14 
TAGS: AMGT, CE, MV, LTTE - Peace Process 
SUBJECT:  OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 037 (03/09/04) 
 
 
Classified by DCM James F. Entwistle for reasons 1.5 (b) 
and (d). 
 
CONTENTS:  LATEST ON LTTE SITUATION 
 
LATEST ON LTTE SITUATION 
------------------------ 
 
1.  (C) We continue to monitor the situation in the 
east.  As you know, it is not clear exactly what is 
transpiring amid many conflicting reports.  Here are 
some of the latest items: 
 
-- REPORTED KILLINGS:  There are various reports that 
fighting has begun between the rival LTTE factions.  The 
ISLAND newspaper reported today, for example, that "46 
Tigers from both factions had been killed" (no date 
provided).  Most of those killed were reportedly pro- 
Vanni elements.  The Police Deputy Inspector General 
(DIG) told a visiting INL delegation today that he had 
heard that 36 pro-Vanni cadre had been killed by 
Karuna's faction.  Other contacts, including in the 
SLMM, have vociferously denied that there have been any 
killings.  Overall, we'd say that the killings story is 
not yet confirmed.  Of course, as we have reported to 
you, a real bloodletting is possible. 
 
-- HIGH TENSIONS IN EAST:  From what we are hearing, 
there is a lot of tension throughout the east.  There 
are a lot of rumors, etc., circulating that Prabhakaran 
is doing this, or Karuna doing that (see the above story 
re the killings, for example).  We have heard reports 
that pro-Vanni types are planning a hartal (work 
stoppage) in Trincomalee District on March 10.  By the 
way, we have heard that the Muslim population in the 
east is really worried about the situation (no surprise 
there!).  Apparently, despite Karuna's pleas that he is 
a peacemaker, many Muslims are worried that his agenda 
is really anti-Muslim. 
 
-- MEDIATION EFFORT:  Roman Catholic Bishop of 
Batticaloa Kingsley Swampillai led a delegation to the 
Vanni on March 8 in an effort to mediate the Prabhakaran- 
Karuna dispute.  While in the Vanni, he reportedly told 
S.P. Thamilchelvam, the LTTE's political chief, that he 
(Swampillai) thought the dispute could be worked out 
peacefully.  Swampillai reportedly used the occasion to 
note that eastern Tamils do have some legitimate 
concerns regarding their treatment by northern Tamils 
(Karuna has been asserting that this is the major reason 
for his rift with the LTTE leadership).  The sum result 
of Swampillai's effort is still unclear.  Karuna has 
already harshly rejected a LTTE offer of amnesty if he 
ends his rebellion (see Colombo 406). 
 
-- REPORT RE TAMIL POLITICIAN:  We have heard an 
interesting report that A. Chandranehru, a TNA MP from 
Ampara District, participated in a pro-Karuna rally 
yesterday in which pictures of Prabhakaran were put to 
the torch.  The main LTTE organization has reportedly 
called him up to the Vanni to discuss why he was at the 
rally.  Chandranehru has not indicated whether he plans 
to take the LTTE up on this intriguing offer. 
Chandranehru's possible decision to work with Karuna is 
just one of the indications we are getting that Karuna, 
via coercion or otherwise, may be picking up some 
support in the east. 
 
-- NORWEGIAN VISIT/CO-CHAIRS:  Norwegian Special Envoy 
Erik Solheim is apparently in town for a conference.  We 
understand that he plans to meet with Thamilchelvam up 
in the Vanni.  Karuna is not (yet) on his schedule, 
however.  The Ambassador is attending a co-chairs 
meeting at COB Tuesday; we'll see what the thinking is 
there on the East and other issues.  (POL) 
 
LUNSTEAD