Prabhakaran getting bunkers constructed

As the battle in Sri Lankas north enters a do-or-die phase for the beleaguered LTTE,the outfit supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran.....

As the battle in Sri Lankas north enters a do-or-die phase for the beleaguered LTTE,the outfit supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran has ordered for bunkers to be constructed expeditiously around the 17 sq km rebel-held territory of Pudukudiyirippu,a top official said on Sunday.

The Tiger rebels have been confined to a small stretch of land,packed with civilians,in the countrys north east and are fighting for survival. The LTTE leaders,including Prabhakaran,are getting bunkers constructed around their territory and could be ensuring they are completed expeditiously,an official said. Of course these LTTE bunkers are not the traditional designer or modern types with all facilities, the official said.

In February,government troops had captured a two-storey air-condition ed bunker hidden in a coconut grove in Mullaittivu thought to be one of Prabhakarans main bases,besides seizing the modern communication centre of the rebels. Though the 54-year-old rebel leader has not been spotted for nearly 18 months,the army is confident that Prabhakaran has not left the area.

Officials have said Prabhakaran is most probably inside the no-fire zone in Pudukudiyirippu along with his son Charles Anthony,his intelligence chief Pottu Amman and other senior leaders.

Earlier this month,troops reportedly unearthed vital documents,including the birth certificate,horoscopes and albums of Prabhakaran and his family.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has exuded confidence that the army will capture Prabhakaran alive or see him dead very soon. Although the LTTE leader was given the last opportunity the ceasefire but he failed to make use of it. Now we have left only to deal with him militarily, he said.