Madhu: LTTE losing ground, says Army Chief

The conveyance of the Sacred Statue of Our Lady of Madhu by church priests under LTTE pressure, was a clear indication that the LTTE has lost control of the area and their inability to hold the ground, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka told the Daily News.

"They took away the Statue as they have lost control over the Madhu area.

Priests at the Madhu Church have acted in the Tigers' interest as they were under LTTE pressure," Lt. General Fonseka added. According to the Army Commander the Statue has been taken to Vellankulam area, some 20 kilometres North of Mannar, by the priests on Thursday evening under LTTE pressure.

Sources also indicate that hardcore LTTE cadres now dominate the Church after priests vacated the premises on Wednesday evening.

The Army Commander said though ground troops surrounded the Madhu Church area, Forces had not even retaliated the mortar fire directed by the LTTE taking the cover of the Madhu Church area as they were careful not to damage the Church.

He added that troops are now operating just a kilometre away from the South of Madhu Church and 10 kilometres North of Madhu Church.

"It was under LTTE pressure the priests conveyed the Statue. They have no other option," the Commander added.

He said the LTTE has put pressure on the priests as they do not want to see this sacred place under the control of the Security Forces and civilians arriving to worship the Sacred Statue of Our Lady of Madhu.

"We will make sure that Madhu will be taken soon under the Security Forces' control without any damage to the Church", the Army Commander added.

Asked whether the Statue has been taken to a safer area as claimed by the priests, the Commander said the LTTE will have to take the Statue to another place once the troops capture that area too, as they cannot take it abroad.