Over 1,657 reach cleared area

Rafik JALALDEEN

Over 1,657 people had reached the cleared area on Thursday after a new safe passage was opened for civilians arriving at Security Forces controlled areas.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said around 1,208 civilians seeking protection with the Security Forces arrived in Vishvamadu on Thursday with troops of 58 division.

"Since the safe passages were extended to reach the Civilian Safe Zone, a mass influx is expected in the coming days," he told the Daily News.

Meanwhile, the ICRC had rescued and ferried around 398 civilians including wounded casualties from the uncleared areas in Mullaitivu to Trincomalee. Separately, 27 civilians sought protection with the Security Forces in Kevil and another 12 civilians crossing the uncleared area had reached in Vishvamadu with troops of 57 division.

Nearly 34,043 displaced civilians fleeing from the LTTE had reached the cleared areas from January 2009 to the latest arrival in February.