LTTE Headquarters,
                                                Tamil Eelam.
                                                04. July 1997

PRESS RELEASE 
NEWS FROM TAMIL EELAM
                                           
UNHCR CREATES SECURITY ZONE IN  PUTHUR
	In a belated recognition of the seriousness of the onslaught
	against Tamils by Sri Lanka's armed forces, UNHCR has hoisted the
	UN's flag at Puthur (Puthuvilankulam), declaring the area of 2.5
	sq. kilometres a safe haven under its control. The move comes at
	a time when the indiscriminate blasting of Tamil homes, public
	buildings and temporary shelters by Sinhala forces has reached
	fever-pitch. 10,000 people are staying in Puthur, Puthuvilankulam
	at present. Water is scarce, however, and the region is largely
	shrub jungle. The UNHCR's intervention, meanwhile is welcome.
	
DISPLACED PEOPLE TARGETED BY SHELLS - ONE KILLED
	Sri Lankan artillery fire has killed a Tamil man Andy Nadarasa
	(38) who leaves behind a large family. Shells were fired
	incessantly at the towns of Palamoddai, Panichankulam and
	Iluppaikulam, where many displaced Tamils are sheltering. On
	Wednesday morning the barrage was fiercest and created panic
	among the displaced families, which includes hundreds of
	children.
	
KILINOCHCHI UNDER FIRE FOR WEEKS
	Kilinochchi's towns have for the past few weeks been pounded with
	shells launched by the Sri Lankan army based Elephant Pass,
	Paranthan and Kilinochchi army camps. Many buildings and homes
	have been demolished. The Chandrika-administration's notion that
	this is a "war for peace" is wearing thinner and thinner. It is
	apparent that the aim is to diminish and terrorise the Tamil
	population into submission.

HOMEGUARD KILLED
	A Sri Lankan homeguard attached to the central army camp in
	Amparai was killed on Wednesday by LTTE. There were no LTTE
	casualties.
	
WALKMANS AND RADIOS BANNED IN JAFFNA
	The Sinhala army occupying Jaffna has outlawed the wearing of
	headphones and the carrying of miniature radio sets in the
	street. Any Tamil found doing so will be arrested, they say.
	
REMEMBERANCE DAY FOR 'BLACK TIGERS'- JULY 5
	Lamps equal in number to the 'black tigers' who died will be lit
	tomorrow as a mark of remembrance. The portraits of the 'black
	tigers' will be decorated with garlands and honoured in
	celebrations held in several halls in Vanni.  The main events for
	the day will be held in Skanthapuram (Kilinochchi) where the
	portraits of the 'black tigers' will be taken to the Murugan
	Temple grounds at 4 in the evening. The eternal flame will be lit
	in memory. The national flag of Tamil Eelam will be raised and
	the national anthem will be sung.  A public meeting will be held
	which will be followed by cultural events.
	
Political Committee,
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

(English translation of the LTTE statement released by
LTTE International Secretariat, 211 Katherine Road,
London E6 1BU, United Kingdom.  Tel:0181- 503 4294)