Tigers shoot fleeing civilians

*183 civilians seek refuge with Security Forces

*LTTE guns down seven including two children

*Authorities prepared for mass exodus

Rasika SOMARATHNA

The LTTE is desperately trying to prevent a mass exodus of civilians from un-cleared areas of Mullaitivu, even going to the extent of shooting those defying their orders, as demonstrated in the killing of seven civilians in the Northern Wanni sector on Saturday, Military sources said.

However during the last couple of days, more than 200 civilians had sought refuge with the Security Forces and the military was expecting more to arrive during the coming week, military spokesman Brigadier, Udaya Nanayakkara said. The LTTE gunned down seven civilians including two children fleeing Tiger clutches from Murusamoddai and Kanchipuram on Saturday.

However, 49 others who escaped the Tiger wrath had arrived safely in Paranthan, sources said.

On Saturday, 183 civilians sought refuge with the Security Forces at various destinations in the Northern front. Meanwhile, 75 civilians had reportedly arrived in the Army controlled Pannimodai in Kilinochchi on Saturday evening, with four others seeking refuge with the military at Vaddakadchi.

Authorities said yesterday they were fully prepared for a mass exodus of civilians and Vavuniya had been prepared as a humanitarian hub with all facilities for those seeking refuge.

The Security Forces kept engaging the retreating Tigers after their latest debacle at Elephant Pass.

The Air Force said it had destroyed a large boat carrying LTTE cadres in the Chundikulam lagoon which was followed by another attack on retreating Tigers in the general area using helicopter gunships.

Navy sources said they had laid an elaborate security net to prevent Tigers from using sea routes to reach Mullaitivu jungles. They said that they were using more than 25 crafts in support of ground troops.