The LTTE has once again revealed its callous disregard for humanity when it fired a barrage of mortars on August 29, 2006 at a convoy of 11 lorries carrying 120 tonnes of essential food items, dispatched by the Government of Sri Lanka, to ease the suffering of innocent civilians trapped and starving in uncleared areas in Kilinochchi and Mullativu. The LTTE mortar attack came when the convoy was passing the Omanthai entry –exit point. The cargo comprised rice, dhal, sugar, flour, spices, coconut oil, grams, medicine and other essential items for distribution amongst civilians who are at the mercy of the LTTE.

This conduct of the LTTE illustrates starkly, the contrast in manner and attitude of the two sides to this conflict, in fulfilling basic humanitarian obligations towards innocent civilians.

The Government on one hand, conscious of its national responsibilities, and disregarding strategic military considerations, is making every concerted effort to feed innocent men, women and children in uncleared areas, despite the risk of such food being seized by the LTTE to feed its own cadres.

On the other hand, the LTTE defying well established cannons of humanitarian conduct in times of conflict, engages in deliberate attempts to deprive those very same people, whom the LTTE claims to be the sole representative of, access to essential food supplies for life sustenance.

The LTTE has never departed from the twisted logic propounded by its leader Prabhakaran that more the Tamil people are made to suffer the greater the likelihood of their support for the LTTE.