Published on - 11/25/2004
LTTE MEN,S TARGET AT TROOPS MISSED BUT INJURED PASSENGERS
An LTTE gunfire directed at Security Forces in retaliation against removal of an LTTE flag remained hoisted inside the public ground at Veppamkulam on 25 November 2004, caused injuries to two civilians traveling in a bus that was passing by at that point of time.
Security Forces having observed that LTTE has hoisted its flag requested LTTE to remove it after formally informing the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) officials at Vavuniya.
SLMM officials visited the scene and requested the removal of the same from LTTE since it amounts to a violation of the MoU and its very recent assurance but to no avail.
SLMM officials however failed to get the LTTE flag lowered and returned helplessly.
Later on at about 5.45 p.m. troops reached the location and were compelled to remove the LTTE flag. No sooner it was done, Security Forces came under fire from an LTTE gunman who was in hiding close to the place of the incident.
The gunfire missed the target and hit a bus injuring two passengers aboard it.
The injured passengers identified as Maranva (23) of Kilinochchi and Sodirasa (28) of Cheddikulam were rushed to the Vavuniya hospital by ICRC.
The front of the bus also received damages.
Police investigations are on.
