More civilians arrive in cleared areas

Rafik JALALDEEN

Around 29 civilians fleeing uncleared areas have reached cleared areas seeking protection with the Security Forces yesterday morning. Over 46,000 civilians have already escaped from the LTTE.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said 29 civilians leaving the uncleared areas in Puthumathalan reached cleared areas around 6.30 a.m. “The group comprising seven families included six children, 10 women and 13 men,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said 1,109 civilians fleeing from the LTTE sought protection with the Security Forces throughout Thursday. “A total of 643 civilians were rescued by the Navy and brought to Point Pedro and another 384 civilians have reached troops of the 58 division in Puthukudiyiruppu on Thursday”, Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

He said over 46,000 displaced civilians crossing the LTTE controlled areas and reaching the cleared areas were resettled at the IDP welfare centres.