AI Blames Government; Says LTTE Keeping Civilians in Harms Way

The Amnesty International's senior researcher for Sri Lanka has said that the LTTE is intentionally keeping civilians in harms way but blamed the government for not taking necessary steps to to assist these civilians. AI also said the picture is very grim for the civilians who are caught up in the battle between the security forces and the LTTE. While admitting the LTTE is keeping civilians against their wishes in battleground areas to maximize civilian casualties, the AI has neither highlighted this on their report nor requested the LTTE to act with responsibility in ensuring the safety of civilians. The government quickly refuted the AI article saying the report failed to recognize the steps taken by the government to safeguard the civilians and also failed to point out the LTTE's restriction on civilian movement.

"There is clear indication that AI is more interested in going to lengths to find a trivial short comings of the government than pointing out the atrocities committed by the LTTE that is flashing in front of their faces" said an official in frustration due to AI's lack of action on LTTE's treatment of civilians including preventing from civilians from making their way to relief centers set up by the government. "As a result it will be the civilian who will suffer" he added.