LTTE has fired at a group of civilians who are crossing over to the cleared areas in Udayarkattukulam killing 17 of them today, defence sources said.

It is reported that over 60 more civilians were injured in the incident.

Another group of civilians who were trying to cross over to the cleared areas along Mullativu jungle had come across LTTE fire this morning. At least 30 civilians have suffered injuries out of which 10 are in critical conditions. Majority of the injured are woman and children, the sources added.

Army has taken measures to airlift the critically wounded people to Anuruadhapura and Vavuniya hospitals while the others have been given first aid at field dressing station at the rescue point itself.

Meanwhile more than 1000 civilians have crossed over to the Government controlled areas today.