Tigers train civilians for combat

The training programmes that were a common phenomenon in 2006 and 2007, recommenced as tens of thousands of civilians converged on Kilinochchi, fleeing the fighting along the south western borders of the Wanni FDLs. The Tigers constituted their auxiliary force, the ‘Civilian Force’ or Makkal Paddi with the civilians who received basic military training.
Around 1000 civilians both men and women joined the first phase of the training session, which commenced on Monday in Kilinochchi, the Puthinam website reported yesterday.
It also reported that employees of government, non-governmental organisations, traders and cooperative employees were among those who ‘joined.’
The Sankathi website said that the civilians would be assisting cadres in con- ventional attacks as well as ambushes against government forces.
The LTTE political wing had made an urgent request to the civilians and former cadres to join the LTTE in order to protect and regain the Tamil homeland, the reports said.
Civilians who had undergone training in the past in handling weapons had also joined the current training programme. The programme had been held under slogan – "Annihilate Sinhala Forces and regain Tamil Homeland."