The military did not have a precise estimate of land mines planted by the LTTE. An area about 3,100 square miles (8,000 sq. km.), including Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu and parts of Jaffna districts, must be de-mined before it will be safe enough for the Tamils to return. Without de-mining, I don’t think we can take a chance,” he added.

“We have four international non-governmental organizations helping us now and I want to use mechanized mine clearing to speed up the process,” the General further said.