by Norman Palihawadana and Namini Wijedasa
The LTTE yesterday protested vehemently in the Jaffna town of Manipay after soldiers ordered removal of the belts worn by some LTTE women cadres as part of their uniform.

An army riot squad was deployed after more than 100 LTTE cadres gathered in the town and tension built up. Some protestors tore down branches and placed trunks of trees across streets. Members from the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) observed soldiers attacking by standers and passers-by with long sticks. At least, five people had been injured.

"The SLMM has ruled that these belts worn by the LTTE women cadres are a violation of the ceasefire agreement," Teitur Torkelsson said. "If the LTTE disagrees some ruling of the SLMM, they should take action through the proper channels rather than start demonstrations that can easily go out of hand."

However the SLMM spokesman said: "It is clear that the riot squad actions were unacceptable," said Teitur Torkelsson, SLMM spokesman. "They were brutal acts against innocent people who were standing a long way off and who were clearly not involved in the demonstration."

Meanwhile, army sources in Jaffna said that the LTTE had deployed ordinary civilians for the protest. Therefore, it had not been possible to distinguish between LTTE and civilian protesters.

The ceasefire agreement clearly prohibits either party from wearing uniforms in areas held by the other. However, LTTE women cadres habitually move around Jaffna wearing shirts and trousers with a characteristic belt. Those with long hair, plait the tresses and loop it around their heads in an identical manner. Yesterday’s protest took place after soldiers at a sentry point near Manipay junction removed the belts of eight LTTE female cadres.

A meeting took place between army chiefs and LTTE Jaffna leaders at the SLMM office in the aftermath of the protest. Although this discussion had already been scheduled, yesterday’s protest usurped other matters in terms of importance. No further details were immediately available about what transpired between army and LTTE rankers.

Meanwhile, Torkelsson yesterday emphasised the importance of having a properly trained police force to intervene in tricky situations involving civilians. Head of Mission Trond Furuhovde has also often stressed the importance of modernising the police force.

Torkelsson said that innocent people get injured when military force is used to solve police matters.