In an interview with the BBC Tamil Section, Karuna was responding to the allegations levelled against his group by the Human Rights Watch.

"We totally deny this; because we have no necessity to abduct children or increase the strength of our forces by inducting them", he said.

Karuna said they have an armed force of a limited number which is for self-protection.

This force is to protect Karuna cadres and its political wing activists from the "murderous attacks by the LTTE", he said.

"So there is no need for us to increase this strength", Karuna said.

He said LTTE which is facing severe cadre shortage is indulging in child recruitment.

Saying it is wrong to level such accusations against them, Karuna said his cadres are not colluding with the government forces in child conscription.

There is no need for the army to get children conscripted in our ranks, as the army is also in a strong position at present, Karuna added.

Govt.reaction

Defence spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella reacting to the Human Rights Watch report said government has begun an investigation into the alleged accusations.

Asked certain elements of the army had been involved and colluded with Karuna faction in child recruitment, Minister Rambukwella said he could not comment until investigations are over.

When told that Human Rights Watch also asking the government to close down camps belonging to Karuna group which are operating in government controlled areas, he said action will be taken if investigation reveals if there are any.

Referring to UN special representative, Allan Rock's report which is similar to the findings of the Human Rights Watch, Minister Rambukwella said government is still waiting for credible evidence as cited by Allan Rock to investigate.