SLA steps up attacks, civilian casualties mount amidst starvation, congested life

[TamilNet, Friday, 01 May 2009, 16:37 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) stepped up artillery, mortar and Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) fire on Mu'l'li-vaaykkaal, causing panic among civilians in a heavily congested village of Mu'l'li-vaaykkaal Friday from 9:30 a.m. Friday. Many civilians were killed as the shelling has continued for hours throughout the evening. Medical staff at the makeshift hospital were only able to report the deaths of those who succumbed to the injuries. 110 wounded civilians were admitted up to 4:30 p.m. at Mu'l'li-vaaykkaal hospital which came under attack on previous two days. 27 of the wounded have succumbed to their injuries. Many more, killed in the SLA barrage were buried or burnt by their kith and kin.



Around 200 civilians were rushed to the hospital on Thursday. 39 of themsuccumbed to their injuries.

Heavy exchange of gunfire and intense barrage was reported north of Mu'l'li-vaaykkaal where civilians were still seen fleeing towards the congested southern parts of the village within the so-called safety-zone.

Civilians had to stay under bunkers most of the night and day within the last 24 hours. Many were killed while they were asleep, medical sources reported.

Meanwhile, starvation prevails in the area as Colombo has deliberately limited humanitarian supplies for weeks.







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