Two policemen killed

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 November 1999, 11:16 GMT]
Two policemen were shot dead by unidentified youths in Kaluwanchikudy, about 35 km. south of Batticaloa, around 10 a.m. this morning said police sources.

Of the two policemen, M. Keerthy, 27, died on the spot, and C. Srisena, 27, died while he was being taken to the hospital, the sources added.

The police said the attackers, escaped on a bicycle after shooting at the policemen near the post office in the town.

Two civilians, K. Thileswaran, 44 and R. Ganesh, 33, were also wounded in

the incident the police said.

The police have summoned two employees of the post office for inquiries, sources said.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers cordoned off Nasivanthvu, a fishing hamlet in Valaichenai, 32 km.north of Batticaloa, this morning and conducted a search operation said sources.

The troops conducted a house to house search operation and male villagers were herded to a school building and interrogated, the sources said. Several villagers were also assaulted by the soldiers, the sources added.

The soldiers have also confiscated a fishing boat and nets, the sources said.