Shelling

THE police Special Task Force (STF) launched a military operation in Batticaloa District on 23 October and advanced west from Paddiruppu bridge to Porativu. Local people say the STF burned some houses and shops in Porativu. The operation was accompanied by shell attacks from Kurukkalamadam STF camp. Sathasivam Kamalanathan and Thambimuthu Maheswaran of Ambilanthurai were killed by shells. Eight people, including one year-old Bayata and five year-old Gajan were wounded.

The military shelled Ambilanthurai on a number of occasions in the nights in October. Security forces fired shells at Central Camp in Amparai District in early October, damaging buildings. A large number of people fled the area seeking safety. In a letter to President Chandrika, local associations have called on her to intervene and stop indiscriminate military attacks on civilians. Batticaloa MP Joseph Pararajasingham has urged her to order an investigation into the civilian deaths. Mr Pararajasingham says that he has brought many such incidents to the notice of the President, but no action has been taken.

The Army shot dead vegetable vendor B Uthayakumar near Iyankerni on 18 October alleging that he was an LTTE member and attempted to throw a grenade. His relatives have denied that he had any link with the Tigers.


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