LTTE says 'no' to Omanthai civilian movements

Rafik Jalaldeen

VAVUNIYA: The Omanthai entry/exit point remained closed yesterday after discussions between ICRC officials and LTTE Political wing leader S.P.Thamilchelvan failed in Killinochchi.

The LTTE has declined to open their road blocks to civilian movement.

ICRC officials met LTTE Thamilchelvan at his office in Killinochchi and requested the LTTE to reopen the Omanthai entry/exit point for civilians.

But the discussion failed and the LTTE declined to open the crossing point in Omanthai, a spokesman from the Media Centre for National Security said.

"ICRC officials told the Security Forces that they will submit to the Government a full report of the discussion held with the LTTE," he told the Daily News.

The Security Forces showed their willingness to open the Omanthai entry/exit point for civilians and provide security to ICRC officials if the LTTE stopped attacks targeting innocent civilians, he added.

The MCNS spokesman said the LTTE is trying to cover up their tyranny in the uncleared areas. "If the Omanthai entry/exit point is open, the media and other organisations might go and see the real situation there, and report to the world," he said.

The Omanthai entry/exit point was closed on Wednesday evening when LTTE cadres fired at a civilian van that tried to flee the LTTE grip. The ICRC officials had withdrawn from Omanthai and Uyilankulam afterwards.