NEW DELHI: The growing strength of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which is now equipped with a “navy” and an “air force”, will be the focus of discussions between India and Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga during her visit later this week.

India’s worry has been sparked off by reports that the LTTE is developing its own “air force” and has built an operational airstrip near Iranamadu in the Wanni area. It has also acquired two aircraft with a range of 1,000 km-plus, capable of flying direct to Chennai and back, besides a helicopter of 600-km range.

The Sri Lankan government, which has carried out reconnaissance missions to the airstrip, reportedly has few details, except that the two aircraft seen on the tarmac resemble the Czech-built Zlin Z-143. The LTTE has refused to confirm or deny these reports, with its political wing leader S.P. Thamilchelvan being quoted by the news agencies recently as saying that “all our organisation’s structures and efforts are aimed at protecting our people.”

He wanted to make it clear that any capability acquired by the LTTE was not intended for use against India. The LTTE, which has its own “Sea Tigers,” has now added to India’s security concerns with this airstrip. It is now in a position to intrude into Indian waters, and has been insisting that the Sri Lankan government recognise the Sea Tigers as a separate unit.

The Sri Lankan authorities also claim to have some evidence that the LTTE has acquired electronic air defence systems to protect its new airstrip, which include advanced radars and surface-to-air missiles.

This airstrip is also the only place in South Asia where even airliners can land which is not under the control of any government. Despite the assurances from the LTTE’s political wing, however, the Indian government believes that these resources are likely to be used by the Tigers against both the Sri Lankan government as well as India.

Airborne suicide missions to targets in southern India are not being ruled out in the worst-case scenarios that are being drawn up here, and which will be discussed with President Kumaratunga during her visit here starting on Thursday. Reports received here suggest that the LTTE is busy training pilots and working fast to operationalise its “air force.” —By arrangement with Asian Age