A'lampil student victim 'wished he was dead'

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 August 2007, 01:25 GMT]
Premathas Premkumar, 14, a student who lost both legs in the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bombing on the fishing hamlet in A'ampil July 11, in an interview to Tamilnet Monday, said that attending school has become impossible and added, "I regret I had not been killed in the attack, as I would not have been a burden to my family which is already poor."

Premkumar from the hospital bed told how he was injured.

"I was at the shore that day to help my father in the Vaadi hut. As he was going home for lunch, I too followed soon to join him. It was then I heard the sound the Kfir. Everyone started running and I saw a Kfir diving close to the spot above where I was. Before I could fall flat on the ground a bomb exploded hurling me several feet into the air.

"When the sounds subsided I found my friend Selvakumar severely wounded lying close to me . We both had shared Jack fruit some ten minutes earlier. I rose to help but couldn't; I realized parts of both my legs were missing.

"Kfirs made another bombing run.

"I buried my head in the sand and did not hear the explosion. When I lifted my head up, I saw everyone running and screaming. No one noticed me and I tried to shout, but I could hardly make any sound.

"It was then I felt a burning sensation in my body.

"I did not know what to do. I wanted the Kfir to strike again to kill me. Then I felt someone lifting me up before I lost consciousness.

"When I woke I found myself on the hospital bed. My parents stood close weeping. My father had high hopes that I would study and provide support to my family. Now all his hopes are shattered.

"My father told me of the movement's financial support. This has given me strength and inspiration. But I am enraged on thinking about the Government's attacks on people like us.



"My father said that they are now forced to live under the shade of a big Banniyan tree at Kumizhamunai village and Kfirs still continue to hit civilian settlements. I hope things will change on the ground soon so that my family can go back to normal life.

Premkumar faces a long period of recovery, and an uncertain future.

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