Checkpoint closure leaves thousands stranded

On the eve of the National New Year, more than 3,000 people were reported stranded after the closure of the A9 road at Omanthai following Tuesday’s attack by the LTTE on the checkpoint.

Officials said at least 1,000 of them were held up in Vavuniya as they were waiting to cross over to the uncleared areas and another 2,000 including NGO workers and public servants heading to Vavuniya were held up in the LTTE-controlled areas.

Vavuniya District Secretary S. Shanmugam said some of the stranded people had found shelter in the homes of relatives or friends while others were accommodated in kovils.

ICRC spokesman David Vignette said they were ready to send relief supplies.