Full text as follows…
According to the Defence Ministry sources, “troops moving from the east of Akkarayankulam tank had to slowdown their advance at the initial stages as the LTTE launched poisonous gas attacks at them. However, troops withstood the chemical attack and advanced dominating about 1 km on the LTTE earth bund” According to information, several soldiers have died and many injured in the battle.
The records of the previous fighting show that the LTTE has used what is called CS Gas even last month. Chemical analysts say CS is disseminated by burning, explosion aerosol formation which causes immediate irritation to the eyes and upper respiratory tract and even danger to life and health.

Though some countries use it for quelling protests, the use of CS in war is prohibited by the 1997 UN Convention on Chemical Weapons. It should be noted that there were campaigns and protests all over the world, including Britain which is vigorous, against these weapons. Recently a resolution was also adopted at a forum of world leaders against the production of chemical weapons. This shows there is a world-wide opposition to chemical weapons.
There can be no justification to use the CS gas or any chemical-contained poisonous gas in the ongoing conflict in the North. When poisonous gas is disseminated it would not only affect the armed forces but also civilians who are already in a dire situation owing to aerial bombings. Hence we cannot condone the use of CS gas for whatever reason.

The Prayathna People's Movement is always against violence in any form that come from any sides as it endangers the life of people. In this context the PPM unconditionally condemns the use of CS gas by the LTTE.

LeN