Sri Lanka's military has been ordered to stop using heavy guns and combat aircraft that could cause civilian casualties in the battle against the LTTE, the Sri Lankan government said today.
President Mahinda Rajapakse's office said in a statement that the government had "decided that combat operations have reached their conclusion," although military operations were continuing.
"Our security forces have been instructed to end the use of heavy calibre guns, combat aircraft and aerial weapons which could cause civilian casualties," the statement said.
Sri Lankan Government came under international pressure to enforce ceasefire amid reports of heavy civilian casualties.
Sri Lankan Government took an astute move to avert the pressure from the international community by ordering to stop heavy weapons instead of announcing ceasefire.
Tamil National Reporter speaking from conflict zone said despite the government order the gunfire and air strike continues and the death toll keep on increasing. He said it is only eyewash. People are on a close range to the army and they can see the movement of people. So even without heavy weapons killings can continue.
Meanwhile Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi called off his fast after it was reported that the Sri Lankan government has halted the use of heavy weapons and combat aircraft in its assault on the LTTE.
"A well staged drama" commented one Tamil Diaspora. He further said it is well planned move to soften the hard stand taken by the Tamil Nadu population against the UPA government and DMK.
Tamil Diaspora expressed its anger to Tamil National saying it is intended to dilute the agitations taken by the Tamils across the world for a permanent ceasefire. And they opinioned that the protests should continue until a permanent ceasefire enforced and Sri Lankan Government agrees to enter in to a negotiated settlement with LTTE. One even commented whether it is an idea given by Indian authorities.
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