COLOMBO, Sept 27: Government and military sources on Wednesday claimed that over 500 Muslim families had returned to the eastern Muslim town of Muttur.

However, humanitarian sources and civil group representatives say many Muslims are reluctant to come back and are forced to observe Ramazan in difficult conditions.

They had left their homes in fear following leaflets distributed last week allegedly by an LTTE affiliated group warning Muslims of a rebel attack.

“They are either in makeshift camps or in the houses of friends or relatives in areas outside Muttur,” said a humanitarian worker.

Families who have taken shelter in schools are being asked to leave by school authorities, area sources say pointing out that the aid received was inadequate.