LTTE protests against peace talks 145;impasse146;

Sri Lanka8217;s northern Jaffna peninsula Wednesday observed a near-total general strike to protest the alleged failure of the government to implement all conditions laid down in the truce accord with the LTTE and alleged high-handed actions by the security forces.

The protest comes a day after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe secured India8217;s backing for the ongoing peace process.

The strike called by the 8216;8216;Jaffna Humanitarian Organisations Committee8217;8217;, sought to convey a message that all was not well with the peace initiative, despite the government8217;s claim that the process was proceeding rather smoothly.

Reports from Jaffna said that normal life came to a standstill as shops, business establishments, offices and schools remained closed and very few vehicles were on the road.

People kept indoors in deference to the strike call, as it had the full backing of the LTTE.

The organisers have listed the Army8217;s failure to vacate all places of worship and prepare for moving out of schools and public buildings in the North-East and alleged establishment of high-security zones and new military bases as the main grievances of the people backing the strike.

Fishermen allege that the Navy is harassing them despite the government8217;s claim that curbs on fishing off the North-East coast have been removed.

The London-based Tamil Guardian said in an editorial yesterday that 8216;8216;as those urging a negotiated settlement to Sri Lanka8217;s conflict are painfully aware, the peace process is undeniably at an impasse8217;8217;.

In another move, Sri Lanka8217;s main Marxist party today said it would stage an agitation to protest the government8217;s intention to lift a ban on Tamil Tiger guerrillas ahead of peace talks.

The JVP, or the People8217;s Liberation Front, said it will hold a demonstration outside the island8217;s main railway station next week denouncing plans to legalise the LTTE.

8216;8216;We are against lifting of the ban before the LTTE gives up its demand for a separate state, before it gives up the armed struggle and enters democratic politics,8217;8217; JVP secretary Tilvin Silva told reporters here.

The government announced on Friday it had begun taking legal measures to remove the 1998 ban ahead of face-to-face peace talks with the Tigers at a neutral venue in Thailand.

Silva accused the government of allowing the LTTE to strengthen itself under the cover of a ceasefire agreement that went into effect from February 23.

8216;8216;The LTTE8217;s strength is now more than double of what they had during the past 15 years,8217;8217; said Silva, who also blamed the government for not cracking down against truce violations by the rebels.

He demanded that the government take responsibility for the loss of lives in the event of renewed fighting.