A spate of killings of security personnel and civilians in the Eastern Province over the past week has heightened tensions in two districts and caused unrest among the population.
The victims include a Thamil Makkal Vidudhalai Pulikal (TMVP) sympathiser, two Special Task Force (STF) officers, a member of the Civil Defence Force (CDF), and civilians. The incidents were reported from recently liberated areas and cleared areas.
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| Youth protesting against the killings |
Last Sunday an STF camp based in Kanjikudichcharu came under attack from the LTTE, and an officer who was injured in the attack died the following day. In another incident, a person was shot dead near the Tirukkovil hospital. He was identified as Vairamuththu Paramanadan, a TMVP sympathiser who had helped in development work in the area.
On Tuesday, LTTE cadres shot dead an STF sergeant, Mr. Anurasiri, and a CDF officer, Mr. Kulawansa, on the Panama-Okanda highway.
In a separate incident, a 60-year-old woman identified as W. Lechchimi was shot dead on Somananda Road, in Pandirippu, Kalmunai. According to sources, the woman’s son, Stanley, is believed to be an LTTE member who had headed a hit squad in Ampara at the time of the peace accord. Police believe that an LTTE gang is operating in the jungles around Kanjikudichcharu, headed by area leaders Jonathan, Nagulan, Sri Ram and Stanley.
In the Batticaloa district, two bodies were found floating in the Batticaloa lagoon, while another body, that of a youth, was found in Kathankudy. The young man had been reported missing from his home. |
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