SLN shoots dead Hindu priest in Velanai

[TamilNet, Monday, 30 April 2007, 20:34 GMT]
The chief priest of Mudippi'l'laiyaar Hindu Temple in Velanai west was shot dead in the firefight between Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and a group of youths during a cordon and search operation Sunday around 10:00 a.m in Velanai, in the islets of Jaffna, sources in Kayts said. Meanwhile, unidentified armed men shot and killed a tailor shop owner at Naaranthanai in Kayts Tuesday evening, the sources added.

Ratnasabapathy Aiyar Somaskantha Kurukkal, 60, from Usan Kanthasaami Koaviladi was identified as the Hindu chief priest killed. His body bore injuries at several places.

Sebamalai Ravi, 30, from Naaranthanai, was the owner of the tailor shop shot dead Tuesday.

Kayts police handed Ravi's body over to Jaffna Teaching hospital.

The cordon and search operation was conducted Sunday morning following the attack by armed youth Saturday in which a commander of the SLN was killed.

The SLN commander is alleged to have engaged in a spate of killings along with the members of Eelam Peoples' Democratic Party (EPDP) paramilitary group in the islets of Jaffna, residents of Kayts said.

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