Tigers, SLA exchange artillery fire

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 22 March 2000, 08:56 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers and the Sri Lanka Army exchanged artillery and mortar fire in Kaddaiparichchan, one km. south of Mutur in the Trincomalee District this morning. One of the shells fired by the Tigers hit the kitchen of the SLA camp setting it on fire, residents said.

Two shells fired by the Tigers fell near the main Muttur Police Station at Nadutheivu. Two houses were damaged by shells fired by the Tigers. A four-year old girl, Rushani sustained slight injuries, residents said.

Earlier this morning the Liberation Tigers snipped and killed a soldier attached to Kaddaiparichchan SLA camp around 8.30 a.m. His body was taken to the Mutur hospital. The SLA retaliated by firing shells towards areas held by the Tigers.

A 28 year old Tamil youth, Manikkathurai Raju, was killed on the spot at Chenaiyor village, south of Muttur town, by SLA's shelling. A 55 year old woman Murugesu Kunanayaki was critically wounded. She is warded at the Muttur hospital. Medical sources said they were taking steps to dispatch her to the Trincomalee hospital.

Movements of civilians and vehicles between Muttur and Chenaiyor were brought to a standstill as they have to pass through Kaddaiparichchan army camp, sources said.