More civilians seek protection of Security Forces

Rafik JALALDEEN

Around 378 civilians fleeing from the LTTE bondage in Puthukudiyiruppu sought protection with Security Forces in Vettilaikerni and Mullaitivu on Tuesday.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said 22 civilians escaping the LTTE clutches had been rescued by troops and brought to Vettilaaikerni by boat.

"A group comprising three children, six women and eight men arrived in a boat and were directed to an IDP centre", he added. Meanwhile, 298 civilians fleeing LTTE atrocities in the uncleared area reached Ampalanpokkanai on Tuesday at the risk of facing the LTTE wrath. Another group of 58 civilians sought protection with the Security Forces.

They were rescued by troops of the 59 division operating in Puthukudiyiruppu.

Over 40,000 people had reached the cleared areas from the LTTE grips and have been resettled at IDP welfare centres in Vavuniya and Mannar.