Jaffna Bishop laments conditions for IDPs in Vanni
The misery of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living under trees in Vanni is touching the hearts of people who have seen their plight.
Reflecting this, the Bishop of Jaffna Rev Thomas Soundaranayagam, lamented their plight in a letter to the Government of Sri Lanka.
He has written to the President Mahinda Rajapakse, seeking assurances to protect the safety of civilians.
Women and children living under trees because of artillery fire exploding near their own homes. The international humanitarian agencies in their mission to assist the people in misery are being subjected to embargos on food and fuel. This can only be described as a crime against humanity, he said in the letter.
He has urged the President of Sri Lanka to consider the following to remedy their difficulties:
1. Halt attacks towards civilian areas from by air, sea and artillery and ensure safety of innocent civilians of children, women and men.
2. Send essential food, medicine, and supplies of temporary shelter to the Government Agent in Sri Lanka at the Kilinochchi Secretariat, towards assisting civilians being displaced.
3. Allow access to United Nations and other humanitarian agencies to perform their task in assisting the displaced by lifting fuel and travel restrictions.
The Bishop said the entire population to the West of Kilincochchi is moving towards Kilincochchi area.
