The Sri Lankan government said that a plot by Tamil separatists to assassinate President Junius Jayewardene was foiled when the police discovered 120 kg of gelignite wired to a timing device in a parked van. A statement by the Information Minister said the alleged conspirators “told police that the target was to be the presidential secretariat”. The government said a group called the Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students was responsible. The five militant groups and the TULF delegation participating in talks with the Sri Lankan government condemned the alleged attempt and in a joint statement, denied involvement.

US Arms Pakistan

The United States is rushing to Pakistan 100 AIML sidewinder air-to-air missiles and an unspecified number of shoulder-fired surface-to-air Stinger missiles worth $8.5 million. In addition, a Pakistani request for ground or airborne radar for improved detection and interception of Afghan aircraft remains under study. A state department statement said that the defence equipment is “in response to repeated violations of Pakistan’s airspace and territory by Communist aircraft approaching from Afghanistan”.