Bomb explodes at Kaluwanchchikudy

[TamilNet, Sunday, 02 January 2000, 10:46 GMT]
Two policemen were killed when a bomb exploded near Kaluwanchchikudy bus depot, in the high security zone, 30 km. south of Batticlaoa town, around10.15 a.m. this morning, security sources said.

Police said the bomb was concealed in three-wheeler. A civilian bystander was also killed in the blast the police said.

Witnesses said an unidentified person drove the three-wheeler, parked it near the bus stand and left the area, just before the bomb exploded.

Soon after the bomb blast, Police and STF personnel rushed to the spot and fired at random, injuring a bus driver and a conductor, residents said.

Many civilians were also asaulted by the police and STF personnel, they said.

The Kaluwanchukudy town was deserted and shops were closed down immediately they added.

The blast took place about 75 metres from the police post at Paddiruppu Bridge. Kaluwanchchikudy STF camp and police station are about 250 metres south-east of the blast site and the police has another check post about250 north of the blast site.