A group of civilians fleeing LTTE held areas in Kilinochchi reached the Fishing Marshalling Point at Pallimunai in Mannar, jointly manned by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Police, seeking the protection of the government security forces yesterday, May 11.

The group comprising of five, belong to four separate families, reached to the security forces controlling area in two separate occasions yesterday, sources said.

Firstly, a youth, aged 18, who had reached the Pallemunai Point said that he escaped the LTTE controlling area to avoid terrorists' forceful recruitment and intimidation.

Later, a mother, aged 40, and her son, aged 21, along with another two youths arrived Palleminai Point on sea route in a local fishing boat, sources further added. The two other youths who had been living under pressure were 17 and 21 in age. During the primary investigations the escapees stated that they fled due to lack of basic needs in LTTE held areas and to avoid forceful recruitment.

Security forces personnel have provides all the necessities for the escapees and steps have already been taken by the government officials to provide safe shelter for them.