Deadline for LTTE chief ends; civilians flee war zone in Lanka

The 24-hour deadline set by the Sri Lankan president for the LTTE Chief Prabhakaran to surrender has now expired. Thousands of civilians are fleeing the conflict zone amid reports that the Sri Lankan army may now be moving in for a final assault against the rebels.
 
The army claims it is continuing to rescue civilians from LTTE held area. But both the LTTE and the army are accusing each other of killing civilians in the conflict zone a 20 sq km coastal patch in the north of the island where the Tigers have been restricted.

Almost 40,000 civilians had come over to government controlled areas till late on Monday, a Defence Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

The number of civilians escaping from LTTE-held areas in embattled north was a record largest in a single day, the spokesman said, adding "More are expected to cross the battle lines."

The government issued a final 24-hour ultimatum for the cornered Tiger rebels to surrender or face an "all out" final assault.

The Lankan authorities are reading in the mass exodus signs that Tigers may be on the verge of total collapse after waging a rebellion for 25 years.

According to the reports, 31,027 civilians were rescued by troops manning the defence line in Puthumathalan West, whereas another 5,863 civilians were rescued by soldiers of 55 Division. Troops engaged in operations in Vellamullavaikkalai West rescued another 27 civilians. Sri Lankan Navy also rescued 2,167 civilians. (With PTI inputs)