As reported by the web-site all administrative functions by the LTTE in the east are continuing as normal. It further states that “those who fled to the Wanni are spreading rumors to safeguard themselves”. The web site is quoted as stating that "all administrative divisions of the LTTE are functioning in the east. Do not fall for the confusing rumors spread by those who fled to the Wanni, and by the media in the South'. The web-site also claims that more and more people in the Ampari Batticaloa region are coming out to support Col. Karuna.

As signs of normalcy returning to the east, the website reports that the LTTE would commemorate the martyrdom of 107 tigers lost in a single day during the anniversary of the Vavunativu attack Published: Wed Mar 17 18:45:34 EST 2004

Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan, an eastern-based rebel leader better known as Karuna, broke away from the main Tamil Tiger army March 3, taking nearly half of the groups' fighters with him. He is estimated to control about 6,000 fighters.

Anton Balasingham, chief negotiator for the Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam, accused the breakaway leader of having established ``clandestine contacts'' with the government and army ``to gain recognition and concessions.''

``We should let it be known to his contacts that they will cause irreparable damage to the peace process if they exploit Karuna's dissent,'' Balasingham said in an interview with the London-based Tamil Guardian newspaper. The article did not elaborate.

The Tigers began fighting for a separate homeland for minority ethnic Tamils in the north and east in 1983, claiming discrimination by the Sinhalese majority.

A Norwegian-brokered cease-fire in February 2002 between the government and the Tigers' leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, halted the fighting, which killed nearly 65,000 people, and raised hopes for a permanent peace.

But the split in the rebel group has raised fears the island may return to war. Analysts have said the split is the most serious blow to peace efforts, although Balasingham dismissed its impact.

``Karuna's dissent would not seriously undermine the peace process or the Tamil national struggle,'' he said.

``I can assure you that the LTT leadership is not making any preparations for war.'' Published: Wed Mar 17 14:56:07 EST 2004