ICRC withdraws from Omanthai

The ICRC had withdrawn its office at the Omanthai entry-exit point in the no man’s land since yesterday due to security and safety of their officers, ICRC spokesman Davide Vignati said.

The ICRC office was opened from Monday to Friday to facilitate civilian movement. “People have no fear and feel safe when they see the ICRC flag at the crossing point. Our aim is to building confidence and creating a environment free of fear for the civilians to cross over from both sides”, Vignati told the Daily News.

Safety and security of the ICRC officers are vital to carry out their duties he said.

The “Ongoing fight between the Security Forces and the LTTE have posed a threat to ICRC officers carrying out their duties at the Omanthia entry/exit point.” He said shells regularly fall near the crossing line and the route used by the ICRC officers. The Security Forces and the LTTE blame each other. “The Security doesn’t allow us to function properly”, he added.

He drew a parallel with the Uyilankulam cross point from where the ICRC withdrew in September. “Similarly, we had to close the Uyilankulam entry/exit point in early September due to the security and safety of our officers”, Vignati said.

He noted that security guarantees for the ICRC officers should be given by the Security Forces and the LTTE for them to carry out their duties in the interests of the civilians at the Omanthai crossing point.

“We have decided to close our functions from this morning until the Security Forces and the LTTE guarantee the security and safety of our officers to assume duties”, he said.

“We have two officers working at the Omanthai crossing point and we have contacted both the Security Forces and the LTTE to cease battles if we are to resume duty “, he added.

The Security Forces had confirmed and guaranteed the ICRC officials’ safety and security. The ICRC officers most probably assume duty today.

“The army held a amicable discussion with the Wanni ICRC officials and most hopefully the ICRC office will be opened tomorrow”, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.

He said that LTTE shelling towards the crossing point in order to terminate the civilian movement through the crossing point and put the blame on the Security Forces.