Number trapped in Wanni less than 60,000

(March 22, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The number of civilians still trapped in the conflict zone is less that 60,000, says the security forces.The LTTE is now restricted to a mere 25 sq. kilometers of which 20 sq. kilometers is part of the government declared Safe Zone, according to security forces.

Meanwhile another 1,055 civilians who arrived from the safe zone handed themselves over to the security forces in Puthukudi Irippu. There were 308 men, 376 women and 371 children in the group.

Security forces also said that intermittent clashes were reported from the Puthukudi Irippu area.

Meanwhile, about 50,000 civilians have crossed over from conflict areas after escaping the clutches of the LTTE.
Security sources said that on Friday alone, 1,164 civilians, who arrived in Puthukudi Irippu and had been transferred to welfare camps in Vavuniya.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services said that it expected an increase in the number of civilians crossing over from the conflict zone in the next few days.

Minister Risath Bathiyudeen added that measures had been taken to provide all facilities to civilians crossing over in that manner.

-Sri Lanka Guardian