Defence Secretary Describes Circumstances under which Senior LTTE Leaders Arrested

Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said,  regarding an investigation  following  the discovery of explosives and suicide vests from North,  several former LTTE regional leaders were arrested

Although making the arrests does not fall under his scope, he has been informed that suspects were arrested by Terrorism Investigation Division for further investigations, Defence Secretary told the BBC Sandeshaya.

Hettiarachchi also said that no statement can be made yet regarding the allegations made by opposition political leaders that LTTE was resurrecting.

“We can make a statement only after evaluating  and perusing  report to be obtained  on ongoing investigation”, he said.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara confirmed to BBC that the former LTTE regional leader Ram, his second in command Nagulan, and an LTTE Intelligence Division leader of Eastern Province Talayan a.k.a. Kalairasan had been arrested. He also said that he was not informed of allegations against them.

“There was no threat of that manner against national security. We will be vigilant regarding the situation”, the Defence Secretary stated.

Reports stated that former LTTE leader Ram was arrested by a group of police officers in civil clothing, by using an unofficial van.

Hettiarachchi accepted that such concerns have been reported, and that measure cannot be approved