Madagascar's opposition leader was in hiding and his television station off air on Sunday as authorities intensified their crackdown on his anti-government movement after weeks of unrest.

A close aide to Andry Rajoelina, who accuses the president of transforming Madagascar into his own personal fiefdom, said the capital's sacked mayor would remain at an undisclosed location until his security could be guaranteed.

A deadly power struggle between 34-year-old Rajoelina and President Marc Ravalomanana ignited the unrest that has killed around 135 people and crippled the island's $390 million tourism sector.

"He is in a secure location. He is still in the capital, he won't abandon the people," the aide said on condition of anonymity, dispelling rumours Rajoelina might have left Antananarivo and even the country.

Military helicopters have flown sorties over Rajoelina's home in recent days and security forces have clashed repeatedly with opposition supporters around his neoclassical villa.

Rajoelina's aides say the government is trying to gag the opposition.

Security forces have thwarted anti-government supporters from gathering in the city's May 13 Plaza -- epicentre of popular rebellions since the Indian Ocean island won independence from France in 1972 -- and on Saturday night took Rajoelina's private TV and radio station off air.

"Security forces attacked Viva last night it is no longer broadcasting," said Viva journalist Soava Andrianarotafik. Opposition sources said the military destroyed equipment and took what they could.

It was the initial banning of Viva TV last December, after the station aired an interview with exiled former president Didier Ratsiraka, which triggered the political crisis.

Armed riot police continued to block access to the city's main square on Sunday.

Ravalomanana, 59, a self-made millionaire who founded his business empire flogging yoghurt off a bicycle, has denied abusing state power and said he will fulfil his mandate which expires in 2011.

Madagascar has opened its doors to major foreign multinationals including Rio Tinto and Sherritt International which are looking to extract cobalt, nickel and Ilmenite.

Reuters