SL gives safe passage to civilians from war

New Delhi: Fighting rages on between the Sri Lankan forces and LTTE in Mullaitivu, putting at risk the lives of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

Sri Lankan president Rajapkse has however, announced a safe passage for the thousands of civilians in LTTE held areas. They will be given 48 hours to reach safe zones in order to ensure there are no civilian casualties.

In an announcement made late on Thursday night, president Rajapakse said he would urge the LTTE to allow free movement of civilians to ensure their safety and security.

Vacating the LTTE held areas will ensure their physical security and enable peace, freedom and rights for all citizen of the country, Rajapakse said.

The civilians have been given 48 hours to reach the safe zones and the location as well as the coordinates of the safe zones are also being provided.

The aim was to ensure civilians were not killed in the fighting presently going on in Maullaitivu where the army has cornered what appears to be the remnants of the LTTE, said the Sri Lankan government.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited Sri Lanka to express concern on the issue after regional parties in India. Mukherjee said that he was satisfied with the steps taken by the Sri Lankan government to protect civilians caught in the war zone.

Earlier an UN convoy carrying more than 300 wounded civilians including children crossed the battle zone. There are an estimated two lakh civilians camped in the jungles of Mullaitivu, bereft of food and shelter.

The Sri Lankan army had earlier accused the LTTE of firing at them from designated areas where it was agreed that only refugees would be permitted.

It remains to be seen if in the next 48 hours if the fighting abates enough to allow civilians to leave unharmed. Fears prevail that the LTTE may prevent them as it has done in the past.

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