by Kalinga Weerakkody
The LTTE has ordered all cultivators and vegetable farmers in the eastern province to sell their cultivation to them pending weekly payments at rates fixed by the LTTE.

The farmers would be paid a price decided by LTTE depending on the kind of the vegetable ignoring the market value of the commodity.

Information received from east said that the LTTE has deployed a team to supervise farmers and their vegetable gardens in the Ampara district including Thirukkovil and Thambivil areas.

Sources said that all vegetables collected by the LTTE would be sold to the market, where businessmen are compelled to pay a tax to the LTTE. Sources further said that the LTTE has levied a tax on all lorries which transport coconut from southern parts of the country. One rupee is taxed per coconut.

Coconut is mainly transported from Kuliyapitiya and Kurunegala and Chenkaladi areas in Ampara district.

Earlier it was reported that the LTTE had levied a tax of five rupees for a kilo of fish from all fishermen in the north when transported from Mannar to Colombo.

Sources said that earlier the LTTE had taxed Rs. eight for a kilo, but it had been relaxed from May 15 as more fishermen in north-east were allowed to fish in deep seas following an agreement between the government and fishermen from north-east, at a meeting held on June 13th.

Sources further said the LTTE has also levied taxes on motor bikes, push bicycles, electronic items, textiles, vehicle spare parts and food items which are taken from cleared areas to uncleared areas.