Colombo:The Sri Lankan government Wednesday urged the international community to put pressure on the Tamil Tigers to allow civilians to leave the conflict zones to safety.

A government release said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was preventing thousands of families from moving to safe areas by imposing a strict pass system.

In some instances, the rebels were forcing people to stay behind to ensure the return of other members of their families.

Amnesty International has also criticised the LTTE for its refusal to allow civilians to migrate out of the conflict zones.

The government said the troops were on the verge of reaching the last two rebel strongholds of Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu districts in their current military thrust.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said last week that large-scale displacements were taking place due to the military action.

The government has said that it is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced with adequate food and water.

 

Source : IANS