Extend ceasefire against LTTE: John Holmes

New York, Apr 16: United Nations (UN) emergency relief co-coordinator John Holmes on Wednesday, Apr 16 appealed Sri Lanka to extend ceasefire against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as more than 100,000 civilians are held captive by the rebel group.

"The situation is simply catastrophic," said Holmes. He also warned of a bloodbath if the army resumed operation in the northeastern part of the Island nation, which is believed to the LTTE's last strong hold.

On Wednesday, Apr 16 Lankan army resumed military operations ending a 48-hour ceasefire to mark traditional New Year celebrations. Holmes also said that the Tamil Tigers are using innocent civilians as their protective shields. The UN official was of the opinion that 48-hour pause was not enough to rescue the civilians or to deliver humanitarian aid.

Though the LTTE has called for a permanent truce on Tuesday, Apr 14, Sri Lankan government has not accepted the offer. One soldier was killed and three other injured during the 48-hr ceasefire by the rebels.

OneIndia News