With few volunteers responding to its calls for blood, the LTTE is now targeting school children and even adults past their prime to obtain supplies of blood for its fighting cadres. The LTTE's "Thileepan" unit is reportedly involved in this heinous activity. It is even threatening those who do not volunteer for blood donations with severe reprisals.

According to available reports, 40 students in Kilinochchi were dragged to the Anandapuram Technical College on 22nd January, where the LTTE has stationed its blood banks, to draw blood from them.

On 28th January, school children and civilians were dragged away and forced to give blood to the mobile units of LTTE in general area Vaddakachchi, Kilinochchi. People were taken to these LTTE blood banks in tractors of LTTE. Not even elders or children were spared, eye witnesses who were able to flee the areas revealed.

On 5th February, the outfit conducted a similar blood collection campaign in Vishwamadu area where school children were among the majority. Some children were forced to provide half a pint of blood, sources reveal. The LTTE is reportedly ignoring the standard medical practice of not obtaining blood from children below 18 and adults over 60 years.

According to informed sources, the LTTE are using Rural Development Committees in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts to intimidate people for such blood collecting sessions. On 8th February, posters and leaflets were distributed in the non-liberated areas threatening people to participate in the LTTE's blood collection camps.

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Defence