'Die with us' LTTE tells civilians

The LTTE is pressing civilians to remain in the uncleared areas urging them to die alongside them, civilians said.

The LTTE gave V. Rasamalar no choice in how she would die - the Tigers told her she would die alongside them there.

But the mother of two escaped heavy fighting and fled to an Army-controlled area. She and her children are now living with about 1,000 other IDPs in a transit camp in Vavuniya.

"The organisation said we were going to die anyway if we crossed to the Army-controlled area and told us to die with them," said 48-year-old Rasamalar, who fled Udayarkattu when soldiers fought their way into it.

More than 36,000 Tamils since January 1, 2009 have fled to Government-controlled areas, running from the clutches of the LTTE who tried to force them to stay.

"After a long time, at least me and my two children are relieved from hearing the sound of shells and life in a bunker," she said at a school converted into one of 15 temporary homes for IDPs.

On the run for weeks or months, IDPs say they faced the wrath of the LTTE constant combat, perpetual fear and little food or water. "There is scarce food.

Even 15-year-old youth are being forcibly recruited by the LTTE. We were not allowed to leave the war zone. This is the situation of over 200,000 Tamils in that area," S. Selvekumar said.

Formerly a security guard for an international aid agency, Selvekumar escaped at night in a boat that was rescued by the Navy.

But he left his sister behind and still does not know now where she is.

Times of India