TMVP says there is no conflict between Karuna and Pillaiyan

New Trincomalle district political leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP), told BBC Sandeshaya that there was no conflict between Karuna and the deputy leader, Pillaiyan.

The TMVP factions led by the two leaders have been fighting as Karuna's influence in the organistion diminished, according to media reports.

Karuna and Pillaiyan

"The split between Karuna and Pillaiyan is a mere media fabrication," Dheeban told journalist RG Dharmadasa.

The TMVP is to launch formal political activities from January next year, he added.

The split between Karuna and Pillaiyan is a mere media fabrication Trincomalee district leader, Dheeban

The former senior LTTE leader who was a close confidante of Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran split from the main organisation in April, 2004.

The breakaway group, widely known as Karuna faction, is accused of gross human rights violations including abductions, taking ransom, killing civilians and child recruitment.

Dheeban however denied any attacks aimed at civilians.

Human rights violations

The TMVP only attacked Tamil Tiger members but did not harass civilians in the east, he said.

	TMVP cadres carry waeapons 'only to protect political office'

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sandeshaya after meeting journalists at his office in Trincomalee, Dheeban said his cadres only carried weapons to protect his office.

He added that the TMVP will be registered as a political party with the Elections Commissioner, next week.

Karuna who fled away to the United Kingdom earlier this year is currently held in custody in an immigration detention centre.

International human rights groups have called on British authorities to charge him for alleged war crimes.