Fisherman caught in SLA landmine in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Friday, 03 April 2009, 14:46 GMT]
A fisherman from Kurunakar fishing in Kannaatheevu in Ariyaalai East lagoon lost his leg stepping on a landmine sown by Sri Lanka Amy (SLA) which exploded when he got off his boat. He was rushed to Jaffna Teaching Hospital (JTH) by fellow fishermen where he is being treated now. SLA has sown landmines in this area to prevent Liberation Tiger combatants entering Jaffna, sources in Jaffna said.

The fisherman was identified as S. Sam, 30, a married man from Kurunakar in Jaffna.

Another fisherman from Jaffna fishing in Kannaatheevu in the same area unknowingly stepping on a land mine placed by Sri Lanka Army (SLA) sustained serious injuries when it exploded.

Both hands of the fishermen had to be amputated and he still remains in a critical condition, JTH sources said.