Even as negotiators representing the Liberation Tigers met with those representing the Sri Lankan government, the military in Jaffna and in the eastern province stepped up preparations for a major offensive, reports said.
Apart from intensifying its shelling of LTTE-controlled areas in southern Jaffna and Vanni, over the weekend the military deployed additional troops and military hardware in the forward areas along the border separating the two sides.
A curfew was imposed in villages Varani, Usan, Kachchai, Navatkadu, Eluthumaduval, Kodikamam, Meesalai East, Allarai and Thanangilappu in Thenmaradchi sector of Jaffna district.
Despite the denial of curfew announcement in Colombo, Yarl FM, a local radio operated by the Sri Lankan military from Palaly military base in Jaffna, continued to broadcast the announcement.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan troops engaged in a major training exercise throughout Saturday night in Palaly, Thondamanarau lagoon and Valalai area in Vadamaradchy sector of the Jaffna district.
The SLA rehearsal comes following a sudden visit by Sri Lanka Army commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka to Palaly Saturday, TamilNet reported.
Lt. Gen. Foseka held a meeting with Maj. General G.A. Chandrasiri, Commander of the Sri Lankan forces in Jaffna, followed by a meeting with the commanders of Divisions 51, 52, 53 and 55 Saturday, TamilNet said.
"When we are engaged in finding ways to de-escalate the military hostilities and address the unfolding humanitarian catestrophy, the Sri Lankan military engagement in Jaffna, further de-stabilizes the civilian life. The International Community is witness to Colombo's military agenda," the LTTE's Military Spokesman Irasiah Ilanthirayan, said.
"Sri Lankan aggression, at this critical juncture, would have serious consequences," he warned, without elaborating.
Meanwhile in the east province, the military fired artillery shells into LTTE-controlled Vaharai area on Monday night from 8.00pm till 5.00am.
Vaharai was targeted in early October by a major offensive by Sri Lankan troops and paramilitaries, just days before the military a massive onslaught against LTTE positions in southern Jaffna.
Both offensives failed amidst heavy LTTE resistance. In Vaharai up to 40 soldiers were killed in Vaharai whilst in Jaffna at least 130 troops perished in day long fighting.
Apart from intensifying its shelling of LTTE-controlled areas in southern Jaffna and Vanni, over the weekend the military deployed additional troops and military hardware in the forward areas along the border separating the two sides.
A curfew was imposed in villages Varani, Usan, Kachchai, Navatkadu, Eluthumaduval, Kodikamam, Meesalai East, Allarai and Thanangilappu in Thenmaradchi sector of Jaffna district.
Despite the denial of curfew announcement in Colombo, Yarl FM, a local radio operated by the Sri Lankan military from Palaly military base in Jaffna, continued to broadcast the announcement.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan troops engaged in a major training exercise throughout Saturday night in Palaly, Thondamanarau lagoon and Valalai area in Vadamaradchy sector of the Jaffna district.
The SLA rehearsal comes following a sudden visit by Sri Lanka Army commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka to Palaly Saturday, TamilNet reported.
Lt. Gen. Foseka held a meeting with Maj. General G.A. Chandrasiri, Commander of the Sri Lankan forces in Jaffna, followed by a meeting with the commanders of Divisions 51, 52, 53 and 55 Saturday, TamilNet said.
"When we are engaged in finding ways to de-escalate the military hostilities and address the unfolding humanitarian catestrophy, the Sri Lankan military engagement in Jaffna, further de-stabilizes the civilian life. The International Community is witness to Colombo's military agenda," the LTTE's Military Spokesman Irasiah Ilanthirayan, said.
"Sri Lankan aggression, at this critical juncture, would have serious consequences," he warned, without elaborating.
Meanwhile in the east province, the military fired artillery shells into LTTE-controlled Vaharai area on Monday night from 8.00pm till 5.00am.
Vaharai was targeted in early October by a major offensive by Sri Lankan troops and paramilitaries, just days before the military a massive onslaught against LTTE positions in southern Jaffna.
Both offensives failed amidst heavy LTTE resistance. In Vaharai up to 40 soldiers were killed in Vaharai whilst in Jaffna at least 130 troops perished in day long fighting.
