2ND LEAD (Correction)

Three SLA soldiers injured in Jaffna grenade attacks

[TamilNet, Monday, 01 May 2006, 10:58 GMT]
Three incidents of hand grenade attacks on Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers in Arasady junction, Iyanar Kovildady and A9 near Puttur junction marked the May day in Jaffna district Monday, sources in Jaffna said. No processions or meetings were held during the May day in Jaffna according to Jaffna residents.

Unknown assailants hurled a hand grenade at the sentry located at the Arasady Junction along the Point Pedro Jaffna Road 12.15 p.m. Monday. Details of damages are not known.

In another incident, three SLA soldiers were injured in a grenade attack at the SLA mini-camp located at the Kullapitti Junction, Iyanar Kovilady along KKS Road at 12.30 p.m. Monday. Unconfirmed reports said this incident may have been triggered off by mishandling of a grenade by the SLA soldiers.

A convoy of SLA vehicles came under Claymore attack on the A9 near Puttur Junction at 12.45 p.m., security sources said. SLA sources said no one was injured in the attack. The convoy was taking soldiers from Muhamalai, Kilali Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) on leave to Palaly airport when the attack happened, sources added. Traffic along A9 was stopped for more than an hour as the SLA combed the area for the attackers. The Claymore mine exploded between two vehicles.

Meanwhile, Northern Regional Transport Board (NRTB) employees suspended bus transport between 9.30 a.m.and 1.30 p.m. MOnday protesting against the SLN assault on a driver and conductor at Allaipitti junction Sunday afternoon. The services resumed after SLN officials met with the NRTB officials and assured them that NRTB workers will not be targetted.