Ten killed, many injured in Govt, LTTE confrontation

Colombo, Aug 3 (UNI) At least ten civilians have been killed and several others injured a in cross fire between Sri Lankan troops and the Tamil Tiger rebels as their fierce fighting continues in restive Eastern province for the third consecutive day today.

The National Security Media Centre said some 10 civilians had been killed and 20 others injured when a shell fell into a camp housing the internally displaced people located in the Arabic School, and charged that the LTTE was responsible for the attack.

Defence spokesman and Minister of Policy Planning Mr Keheliya Rambukwella, told reporters here today that ''the LTTE want to use civilians in Muttur as a human shield by scattering in and around Muttur in small pockets''.

He said the fighing which began around 0200 hrs (local time) yesterday was continuing even today and the government forces were in control of the Muslim township.

The Minister said people had moved into mosques due to fighting as 8 people had died and 10 others injured yesterday.

Mr Rambukwella said the government was concerned about the plight of the civilian population.

Talking about the LTTE shutting down an irrigation canal in Verugal Aru in the Trincomalee district, he said the government was still open for negotiations on the issue.

''Our windows are still open,'' Mr Rambukwella said adding that the government was forced to go into a military confrontation with the LTTE.

''Forces were able to reach the western sluice gate but the journey towards the eastern gate is tough because it is an open field which is heavily mined,'' Mr Rambukwella said on the Army advance which began on Sunday.

He said it was not known as to when the Army will be able to finally reach the main sluice gate but the military operations will cease within ten minutes of LTTE deciding to open it.

There was no immediate reaction from the LTTE.

UNI XC SK PC1731