At least seven civilians, including two women and a toddler, were killed and two injured as LTTE gunmen opened fire on a group of people who were trying to flee to the Government-controlled area east of Paranthan, the military said yesterday.
Military spokesperson Udaya Nanayakkara told The Sunday Times the victims were a part of a group of more than 50 civilians who were fleeing Seven die as
the LTTE-held area of Murasumoddai on Friday night.
The two wounded civilians were being treated by army para-medics and would be transferred to a hospital for follow-up treatment, he said.
Brigadier Nayakkkara said 49 civilians in the group were rescued by the army.
In another escape attempt last week, 39 civilians crossed over to the Government-controlled areas from Nagarkovil and Vettilankerni, indicating that the people were ready to defy the LTTE.
Meanwhile, according to military estimates, it will take at least three months before the newly captured A9 highway will be opened for civilian traffic, since the area is heavily mined and booby trapped.
Brigadier Nanayakkara said foreign experts with the Mine Action Program would also be pressed into service on the A9 de-mining efforts.
He said the LTTE had also destroyed several bridges and causeways before retreating and it would take the government considerable amount of time to repair them.
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