Reserves and former LTTE fighters returned to their ranks in large numbers following a call by the Political Wing of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, whilst thousands of people enrolled themselves to fight against invading Sri Lankan forces, Tamil and Sri Lankan press reports said.
On Sunday August 17, the political wing of LTTE re-called all former cadres who left the organisation to lead a non-military life and reserves to join their units to fight the occupying forces and protect the homeland.
In addition to the reserves returning, thousands of civilians also enrolled themselves to the Makkal Padai (Peoples Forces) to protect the Tamil homeland from the Sri Lankan military aggression.
According to Tamil press reports, people from all walks of life including public servants, private sector workers and business persons are joining the Makkal Padai.
The training for the first batch of one thousand cadres started on Monday 18 August 2008 in Kilinochchi.
Head of LTTE finance division,
The Sunday Times newspaper in Sri Lanka quoted a government official and reported that more than 5,000 former Tiger guerrillas and civilians have been enlisted following an urgent appeal by the group’s political wing, the official said.
“Those who enrolled have been advised to report on a regular basis to the LTTE for training and were told that their main task would be to prevent the military from entering the LTTE’ stronghold in Kilinochchi.” the newspaper said.
“One of the tasks entrusted to them has been to monitor the movement of security forces and alert the LTTE. The LTTE also has issued instructions to its medical units to be strengthened to meet any medical needs in the coming weeks.” the newspaper added.
