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Safe passage sought for civilians

— Photo: AFP

Asserting authority: Soldiers hoisting the national flag in Mankulam in this Monday handout picture.

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan Air Force on Wednesday claimed it bombed an “LTTE strong point located in Oddusuddan” on Tuesday.

A Defence Ministry statement said the 57th Division operating in Kilinochchi had “heavy confrontations” with LTTE cadre. It said soldiers have ventured further into the LTTE-held areas northeast of Akkarayankulam and north of Therumurukanddi.

“It is observed that LTTE terrorists have constructed another earth-bund across the Ponneryn-Paranthan (B-69) Road to resist the security forces movement into Kilinochchi. However, the troops are now on their way to dominate the earth-bund, which runs southwards of Paranthan covering Kilinochchi built-up area. Intercepting LTTE communication channels, it is revealed that the LTTE suffered heavy casualties in the confrontations,” it said.

Separately, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) said as a neutral intermediary enjoying the trust of both the government and the LTTE, it is facilitating their talks to find suitable arrangements for a crossing point between the territories controlled by them.

“Finding an arrangement for movement between government and LTTE-controlled territory is essential for the safe passage of civilians, ambulances and food convoys, and for the return of bodies of fallen fighters,” said Paul Castella, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Sri Lanka.

Arrangements concerning crossing-point procedures, including location and opening hours, must be agreed to. The ICRC’s presence at the Omanthai crossing point has been temporarily suspended since November 18, as the organisation could not obtain all necessary guarantees for the safe passage of civilians and goods. “Until a clear arrangement is found, the ICRC will continue to approach both parties to the conflict on a case-by-case basis to facilitate the movement of ambulances and the transfer of dead bodies of security-force and LTTE fighters. The ICRC’s role as a neutral intermediary between the two parties to the conflict is one of the most important it has had during almost 20 years in the country,” said Mr. Castella.

Meanwhile, the military alleged that LTTE cadre killed a doctor, Palitha Pathmakumara, the only medical officer at the Rural Hospital, Vavunathivu, on Sunday.

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