Civilians are trapped between Vakarai and Mankerny

The International Red Cross (ICRC) said they handed over 11 bodies transferred by the LTTE to the security officials.

ICRC said the LTTE informed that 14 another bodies of Karuna cadres were also in their possession.

Relief not allowed

Major WASP Wijayathunga of Kajuwatta SLA post and soldiers from Navalady and Kajuwatta SLA camps are among the deceased.

The soldiers were killed in the fighting in Vakarai on Thursday.

Batticaloa Acting Magistrate, MBM Hussen, conducted the post-mortem at the SLA post in Navalady while Valaichchenai District Medical Officer (DMO) conducted the autopsy.

Government administrators in the region meanwhile said they were not allowed to cross the Forward Defence Line (FDL) at Mankerny by the security forces.

Policeman shot dead

The District Secretary (DS) and Additional District Secretaries (ADS) thereafter have taken steps to distribute relief aid through the international relief organisation, Oxfam.

Residents say many civilians are trapped between Mankerny and Vakarai as no transport facilities were available.

Meanwhile, a police constable, HM Chandrasiri, was killed and a civilian sustained injuries at a shoot out near Chengalady police post.

Police accused the Tamil Tigers.