We can’t live like this, say displaced people

By Hiran Priyankara

The LTTE’s ploy of using human shields when confronted by the forces, has made the residents of the North East innocent victims.

Many of these victims made their escape and came to government-controlled areas and are now in refugee camps in the regions of Valachchenai and Welikanda of Batticaloa.

The plight of these men and women is pathetic and they lament that the situation is sometimes worse than being caught up in the war. These people have fled from villages including Vakaneri, Murukan, Kathiraveli Verugal, and Kirimichchiwewa . Many of them are in dirty clothes and say officials are insensitive to their plight.

S.Vinayagam and his children are from Kirimichciwewa. He says he wants someone in authority to take heed of their pathetic situation. The war had put an end to his paddy cultivation and now he has to depend on dry rations doled out by officials.

Kadireshan Ganesh from Madurankuliya is another victim.. “We are isolated here and we don’t know what is happening outside the camp. Life here is a living hell. During the day it is unbearably hot and we can’t even send our children to school.

Sixty-two year old A. Chelliah said although he may not have long to live, his children should have a future.

He laments that they don’t even get a proper meal. Sometimes officials from NGOs come and ask us about out plight but little is being done about our suffering. He said it was the responsibility of state officials to look into their living conditions.