23.11.2008

Exodus of civilians from non-liberated areas at Mullaittivu continued as 50 more civilians have reportedly arrived at the Omanthai Entry/Exit point seeking protection with security forces, Sunday between 12p.m., and 6 p.m.

According to Army sources in Vavuniya, the civilians were from Nedunkerni, Sinna Adampan and Kanakaraynakulama areas. Many civilians were from the Kanakarayankulama area located between Mankulama and Puliyankulama along the A-9 trunk road. 21 males, 14 females, 7 boys and 8 girls had sought protection fleeing from LTTE following unprecedented hardships endured under the LTTE tyranny, security sources said.

They had made their way on foot carrying only a handful of belongings fearing LTTE death squads, who were said positioned to stall the civilians influx towards Omanthai. One elderly woman had also made the long journey on clutches and this itself underscore the plight of many others who are held captive by the LTTE. "We want freedom, we want our lives back and the organization (LTTE) is continuing to take our lives away including our loved ones", a woman was cited as saying by our correspondent at Omanthai.

According to latest statistics, 211 civilians had fled from LTTE and sought protection with security forces since Friday (Nov 21).