29.11.2008

5 more Tamil civilians including a family of four have fled from LTTE and sought protection with security forces at the Omanthai Entry/Exit point in Vavuniya.

4 civilians, including parents and two youth have arrived at Omanthai, yesterday (28) evening after fleeing from LTTE in the Mullaittivu district. The civilians were from Visuamadu area the sources said adding that one youth was a forcibly recruited to the LTTE, who had later managed to escape during initial training in the Mullaittivu jungles.

"I was abducted by the organisation(LTTE) 3 months ago", the youth, Chandrakumar,20, has said with our correspondent. "They stormed into our home and took me away in broad daylight despite continuous pleas from my parents to set me free," Chandrakuma was quoted saying.

"I was taken to a tiger training camp at Visuamadu, where I received basic weapon training for 45 days. There were many like me who were also abducted by the organisation(LTTE), including 10-11 year olds. The training was rigorous and we were severely beaten for the slightest mistakes made. Girls were kept separately and only the seniors had access to the area, which was restricted for the rest. We were constantly told to hate the Army and the Sinhalese people. I could not bear any more of the suffering and things got worse as the Army had cutoff supply routes into the area. Some were sent to loot the food supplies sent for the wanni people. They were said that it was a part of their initial training. Things got much clear as we spent more time with them (LTTE).

The seniors used us to get food supplies for themselves as they feared military ambush. I had already decided to free myself and used the first opportunity I got to flee from them. Its like a miracle to feel free and here I'am with my parents", Chanrakumar cutshort as emotions turned to tears.

The other civilian was a male from Oddusdan general area, Mullaittivu, and had arrived at the Entry/Exit point today (Nov 29). According to latest figures received, over 350 civilians have fled from LTTE in Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts and sought protection with security forces at Jaffna and Vavuniya, since 18th November 2008.