Stranded civilians to return to Vanni

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 15 June 1999, 11:22 GMT]
Arrangements are underway to transport about one thousand stranded civilians at Kaathankulam, north of Uyilankulam, to the LTTE held areas in the Vanni today, officials in Mannar said.

The civilians, mostly traders, had come to Vavuniya and Mannar to purchase foodstuff and other essentials for business.

They had been stranded at Kaathankulam, on their way back to their homes as the road was blocked due to the Sri Lanka Army's (SLA) 'Operation Rana Gosa 4', said sources.

Officials said that two lorries have been arranged to transport them through Paappamoddai.

S.M.Crooz, Government Agent Mannar said that he has contacted Brigadier Ranjith De Silva and got the permission for their transport.

"Two lorries had been sent to Kaathankulam area with food for the Co-operative Societies in the area this morning today, will be used to transport the stranded civilians from Kaathankulam to Paappamoddai" Mr.Crooz said.

He further said these civilians will be transported to Paappamoddai, 6 km. north of Kaathankulam and they will be escorted by the SLA up to their furthermost new forward defence lines.

"The civilians will have to find their own way travel to their native villages from there through the no-man-land" he added.

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