40 militants killed in clashes, Japanese envoy issues warning

At least 40 Tamil Tiger militants and two soldiers were killed in clashes in Sri Lanka's embattled north, as the visiting Japanese peace envoy hinted that Tokyo may withold aid to Colombo if violence escalates. At least 200 militants and six armymen have been killed since the decision to scrap the six year-old Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) was taken by the government on January 2, a military spokesman said. Sporadic clashes broke out in Parappakandal at the North-western Mannar defences yesterday, resulting in the death of at least 22 militants, the army said. In Jaffna, at least 10 militants were killed in continuing ground battles with the army in Muhamalai and Nagarkovil areas yesterday. Another eight Tamil Tigers were killed during clashes at Periyapantdivirichchan, Vilathikulama, Kattikkulama, Palaikkulai and Kokkuthuduvai defences in Vavuniya front. Two soldiers also lost their lives and 24 other were wounded in the various confrontations which took place in the north yesterday, the military said. This include a few soldiers who were injured in an IED explosion at Muhamalai yesterday, they said. With the possibility of an all-out war breaking out in the wake of scrapping of the CFA, Japan, the largest donor to Sri Lanka, today indicated that it may block aid to the Island nation if violence escalates. Japanese Peace envoy Yasushi Akashi, who was sent to Sri Lanka before the end of the CFA tomorrow, said "We will closely monitor the situation here before taking further action,". Source: outlookindia.com