Eastern Villagers face terror again

[TamilNet, Sunday, 16 May 1999, 10:14 GMT]
(NEWS FEATURE) One hundred and fifty Tamil families at Thiraikerni, a village in the Amparai district, are being terrorised once again by groups of armed masked men who come to the village at night, said sources from the area.

Following the 1990 massacre when 58 civilians were killed in a day the village was deserted and the displaced families sought refuge at Karativu.

In 1995, after four years in a refugee camp, the families were resettled in Thiraikerni. Then in the latter part of 1997, the village leader, Mylipoddy, was shot dead by unknown people.

Since that time the villagers have not had anyone to speak for their interests and look after their welfare.

Last week a group of armed masked men set fire to one of the villagers homes.

The house belonged to Alagamma, a mother of three children. Alagamma's husband Gopal was one the 58 Tamil civilians killed in the 1990 massacre.

Alagamma said that the incident took place at 9.30 p.m. while she was sleeping with her three children.

When she realised that her house was burning she left all her belongings and escaped with her children. When she returned her house was reduced to ashes.

Alagamma, reduced to tears while relating her story, said that her youngest daughter studying at Karaithivu Vipulananda College had no uniform, text books and other materials to attend school. Her children's national identity cards were also burnt down.

In another incident, an old woman, Nagammma, who could converse fluently in Tamil and Sinhala had an argument with a member of the armed gang. But she was attacked by the gang and is now receiving treatment at the Akkaraipattu hospital for her injuries.

Meanwhile, Alagamma(48), complained to the Akkaraipattu Police and the Divisional Secretary, Addalachchenai, last Tuesday in regard to the loss incurred to her.

Alagamma has also met Mr.M.Sankar, Organiser, Eelam Peoples' Democratic Party in Karativu who has brought this matter to the attention of the leader of the EPDP, Mr.Douglas Devananda.

Mr.Devananda has contacted the Deputy Inspector General of Police of the region and asked him to take immediate steps to arrest the culprits.

However, the Thiraikerni villagers continue to live in fear and tension.