U.N. : Many hundreds of civilian deaths . Tamil Tigers rebels have been fighting for an independent state in Sri Lanka 's northeast since 1983 . Tamil Tiger is fighting for independent state in Sri Lanka northeast since 1983 . Pro - Tamil Tiger accuses government of using heavy weapons on civilian areas . Sri Lankan government denies claims , accuses the Tamils of political ploys .
U.N. : Many hundreds of civilian deaths . Tamil Tiger is fighting for independent state in Sri Lanka northeast since 1983 . Pro - Tamil Tiger accuses government of using heavy weapons on civilian areas . Sri Lankan government denies claims , accuses the Tamils of political ploys .