More civilians cross over from uncleared areas

Rafik JALALDEEN

Around 29 civilians sought Security Forces protection fleeing from the LTTE grip in uncleared areas of Mullaitivu to the cleared area Pulmodai on Wednesday.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said civilians facing unbearable hardships in uncleared areas are entering cleared areas seeking Security Forces protection.

"A total number of 29 civilians had reached Pulmodai from the Mullaitivu districts within a week. Seventeen civilians comprising three children, three women and 11 men had come to the coast of Pulmodai by boat on Wednesday at around 2.00 p.m." he added. Meanwhile, ten other civilians who crossed the uncleared area from Mullaitivu had sought protection with the Security Forces in Pulmodai earlier on Wednesday, he said.

Two more civilians also surrendered to the Security Forces at the newly liberated Illuppaikkadavai around 8.45 a.m. Brigadier Nanayakkara said there is an exodus of civilians from uncleared areas to the cleared areas.