67,000 Tamils escape to safety

12 Apr 2009, PTI

COLOMBO: With Lankan troops poised to free thousands of civilians trapped in the No Fire Zone, over 600 Tamil civilians crossed over from the LTTE-held areas to the army controlled territories, officials said today.

The total number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who have crossed over to the government areas has reached 67,010 as over 600 civilians moved into the army-controlled areas from the LTTE territories on Friday, officials said.

"The total number of civilians who have reached army controlled areas increased to 67,010," an official statement said. Meanwhile, 606 civilians sought refuge with the army's 58 Division yesterday, the army said.