Clearing operations continue in Sampur

SAMPUR: The security forces who consolidated their authority in Sampur after driving away the LTTE terrorists from the area are now in the process of clearing land mines buried by the enemy for re-settling the people who had left their abodes in the height of the conflict.

Security sources in the East said the land area of Sampur is 146 square Kilometres Forces have to clear mines in another 7 square kilometres and once it was completed the entire area will be ready for re-settlement within the next two weeks.

The security forces completed the takeover of Sampur when they destroyed a Sea Tiger Camp - the last LTTE bastion - by pounding it continuously for six days.

Sources said the port area in Sampur and the area surrounding the lighthouse have been declared prohibited areas because they have been heavily mined by the LTTE.

A 40-member team of local and Foreign journalists on a tour of Sampur jointly coordinated by the Media Centre for National Security and the Army Media Unit observed remnants of a clandestine LTTE police station and a bank. The team also visited the Sampur Maha Vidyalaya premises, the Court House and Government Dispensary.