Despite the attack them yesterday civilians are crossing to the government controlled areas from the uncleared areas in Puthukudiruppu. According to defence sources 2260 Innocent civilians were escaped from the LTTE in the non-liberated areas and had reached the government controlled areas seeking the protection of troops during the day yesterday (10).

According to defence sources 17 civilians were killed when the LTTE opened fire at them last morning. The number of injured has risen to 69 and 15 are reported to be critically injured. Among the injured civilians are 31 males, 27 females and 11 children.

defence sources said that going by the records of the LTTE it is expected that more such attacks on civilians fleeing from the dwindling areas held by the LTTE would take place , and the security forces are taking steps to provide more safety to civilians fleeing LTTE terror.