Over 960 civilians reach cleared areas

Rafik Jalaldeen

A total of 968 civilians fleeing LTTE atrocities reached the cleared areas in Munai and Puthukudiyiruppu throughout Sunday. Nearly 3,238 civilians injured due to indiscriminate LTTE fire are being treated in several hospitals.

Navy spokesman Commander D.K.P. Dassanayake said the Navy rescued 66 civilians fleeing from the LTTE clutches in Mullaitivu on Sunday around 7.30am. “A group of civilians in four dinghies with white flags hoisted had been observed in the seas between Chundikulam and Vettilekerni. The Navy patrol immediately rescued the civilians and brought them to Munai in Jaffna”, he added.

The group comprising 26 children, 17 women and 23 men after been provided with essential needs had been directed to the IDP welfare centre.

Meanwhile, another 902 civilians fleeing LTTE atrocities sought refugee with the Security Forces in Puthukudiyiruppu on Sunday. Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said since the Tigers are facing a humiliating defeat in Mullaitivu and are confined to less than 40 square km, the influx of civilians is on rise due to the confidence they have in the Security Forces.

Civilians are fleeing from the LTTE controled areas amidst indiscriminate firing by the LTTE. “Around 3,238 civilians injured due to the Tiger fire are being treated at various hospitals,” Brigadier Nanayakkara told the Daily News.

Over 43,000 civilians had reached the cleared areas in Jaffna and Vavuniya seeking protection with the Security Forces.