Mar 30, Colombo: The Sri Lankan military officials said more civilians have defied the rebel LTTE orders and crossed into government-controlled areas seeking protection from security forces.

A total of 1,694 civilians from uncleared areas sought protection with 58 Division troops in Puthukkudyiruppu area during the day today, the military said.

Another 332 internally displaced civilians arrived in government controlled areas on two different occasions throughout the day yesterday (29).

The group of civilians consisted of 94 males, 105 females, 68 boys, and 65 girls fled from sought protection from the 58 Division troops.

Sri Lanka government and international humanitarian organizations accuse the LTTE Tigers of forcibly holding civilians as human shields to deter the military offensives.

The Tigers are now boxed into an area of 21 sq km which includes the 20 sq km no-fire zone.