2ND LEAD

Two STF soldiers, policeman injured in grenade attack

[TamilNet, Thursday, 21 July 2005, 07:56 GMT]
Two Special Task Force (STF) soldiers and a police constable were injured when two unidentified attackers lobbed a grenade into a checkpoint close to a tsunami-refugee camp at Tharmsangari playground near Ramakrishana Mission School in Akkaraipattu at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. Tension prevailed in the area following the attack as STF soldiers opened fire and stopped civilian vehicles passing by the area and attacked the travellers following the incident, residents said. Handbills issued in Akkaraipattu in the name of "Amparai District Seerum Padai" (Roaring Force in Amparai) claimed responsibility for the attack.

The injured STF soldiers, Mr. Anantha, 30, and Mr. Pathirajah, 24, and the policeman Mr. Ranjih, 26, were rushed to Akkaraipattu Hospital and later transfered to Ampara base Hospital in a serious condition, sources said.

The two attackers were riding in a motobike, Police said.

The Ramakrishna Mission School is located on Sagamam Road 1 km. from Akkaraipattu town.