Families of POWs allowed to visit

[TamilNet, Friday, 18 February 2000, 18:38 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Defence Secretary has informed the International Commission of the Red Cross (ICRC) that parents and relatives will be allowed to visit the 15 POWs held by the Liberation Tigers.

The POWs have been on hunger strike in Puthukudiyiruppu in the Mullaithivu District since 10 February, demanding the government take steps to secure their release.

The Voice of Tigers (VoT) radio said this evening that condition of many of the hunger strikers has deteriorated.

The hunger strikers have also decide not to drink even water from 21 February, the radio said

The Tigers announced few days ago that parents and relatives would be allowed the POWs. Journalists and politicians who are interested to hold discussions to secure the release POWs, will be also allowed to visit them, the Tigers announced over the Voice of Tigers.

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