People are fleeing from Vaharai in Batticola through sea and land leaving behind their belongings to save their lives following shelling and attacks by the security forces.

During these attacks by the security forces, more than 40 civilians were killed and more than 60 were injured. It was due to this fear that the people are fleeing from Vaharai. The displaced people have taken refuge in Vinayakapuraum, Kiran, Senkaladi, Savukady and Marnkeni. The government agent has taken steps to provide the displaced people with cooked food for three days.

10 displaced people who were traveling by boat died since the boat that they were traveling in capsized This shows the pitiable plight of these unfortunate ones. 35000 displaced people have been living for months in Vaharai. There are reports that two pregnant women who were fleeing from Vaharai gave birth to children on their way.

Therefore it is the duty of the government to provide all facilities to the people displaced from Vaharai. Mean while the government must ensure the security and safety od the displaced in Vaharai.

The LTTE has appealed to the SLMM to declare the area where hospital and school are located as a security zone. Since presently the displaced people from Sampoor are living in Vaharai and the refugees displaced from Vaharai should not be subjected to threats under the pretext of the search operation by the security forces.

There are reports that 15 males from 97 families displaced from Vaharai and residing at Thopure were taken into custody for questioning by the Serunuwera police.

We stress that the governmental officials must provide all facilities and ensure the security of the displaced people on humanitarian grounds.

An English translation of the Editorial in Virkesari, a Tamil daily, based in Tamil Nadu

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