SLAF bombs Vaharai, IDPs flee SLA shelling

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 November 2006, 11:42 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) launched artillery attacks from Valaichenai SLA camp and Karadikulam SLA camp towards Vaharai intensified since Sunday night amid troop deployment at Gajuwatte SLA camp. LTTE's Military Spokesman Irasiah Ilanthirayan Monday said Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) carried out 2 sorties of aerial bombardment in Paalchenai and Vammivedduvan in Vaharai region in Batticaloa district Monday noon. "All communication and transportation facilities towards Vaharai has been cut off. Even the small amount of humanitarian supplies reaching the region twice a week, has been blocked by the Sri Lankan military," Mr. Ilanthirayan told TamilNet.

Since 31st of October, there has been no humanitarian supplies to the region, LTTE spokesman said citing officials in Vaharai region that has been cut off.

"36 metric tons of basic suppiies are necessary for the region for a month. Only 5000 kg rice and white flour were in stock as per Sunday," Mr. Ilanthirayan said citing officials in Vaharai.

"NGOs are blocked from the area, even truce monitors are not allowed to make independent judgement of the hostilities," he added.

"Sri Lankan forces are using humanitarian crisis as a tool of war and have intensified attacks forcing civilians to flee the area," Tiger military spokesman said.

Mortar shells were fired from Mankerny SLA camp. Artillery shells were being fired from Karadikulam and Valaichenai camps, he said.

SLA fired artillery shells hit 40th Mile Post, Sinnathaddumunai and Periyathaddumuani villages.

Meanwhile, civil sources at Sri Lanka Army (SLA) controlled areas south of Vaharai said more than 200 families had reached SLA controlled areas following intensive shelling.

Chronology: