SLA Intelligence officer shot, injured in Nelliady

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 07 November 2006, 13:07 GMT]
A Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Intelligence officer was seriously injured near Nelliady junction in Vadamaradchy when unknown gunmen shot at two SLA officers riding in a motorbike at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. The injured officer was first taken to Manthikai Government Hospital, located 3 km northeast of Nelliady, and was later taken to Palaly Military Hospital, sources in Jaffna said.

The SLA Intelligence officers were riding along Jaffna, Point Pedro road after inspecting SLA patrols in several areas in Vadamaradchy when the gunmen emerged from the Vathiry-Kodikamam road, sprayed gunfire towards the SLA officers, and escaped, local witnesses said.

SLA cordoned off large areas around Nelliady town and conducted search operation. Although no one was arrested, the troopers assaulted several traders in Nelliady town, local residents said.

Most of the residents of the town stayed indoors for most of the evening, and tension prevailed in the area, sources said.

Nelliady town and stretches of Jaffna-Point Pedro road are under tight military security as they serve as main supply routes to military camps in Vadamaradchy east and Point Pedro. Attack on SLA troops have brought into question the strength of security arrangements, sources said.