More fleeing civilians seek Forces protection

Rafik Jalaldeen

As the humanitarian operation reached to the final phase in the Vanni, over 2,127 civilians including 919 children fleeing from the LTTE have sought protection with Security Forces in Ampalavanpokkanai, Mullaittivu on Sunday. Sixty nine others reached yesterday.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops have surrounded the No Fire Zone and are making strategic moves to liberate the trapped civilians, though the LTTE cadres are taking cover in the NFZ mingling with displaced people.

Over 2,127 civilians crossing the NFZ have reached troops of the 58 Division throughout Sunday. “They belonged to 503 families including 919 children, 429 men, 779 women. The number of exodus accelerated on Sunday hours after troops crushed the last LTTE resistance in Puthukudiyirippu”, he added.

Meanwhile, 69 civilians escaping from LTTE captivity have reached with troops in Puthukudiyiruppu yesterday.

The Navy evacuated 497 sick and wounded civilians accompanied by their close relatives on the ICRC chartered vessel Green Ocean on Saturday.

Navy spokesman Captain D.P.K. Dassanayake said the 18th batch of 497 sick and wounded civilians trapped in the LTTE held area had been evacuated from Puthumathalan to Pulmodai by the naval troops on an ICRC chartered vessel.

The naval troops are providing safe passage for evacuees.

The sick and wounded civilians were treated at the Pulmodai and Padaviya hospitals.