STF member killed in claymore blast

[TamilNet, Saturday, 12 February 2000, 21:16 GMT]
A member of the Special Task Force(STF) was killed in a claymore mine blast in Periya Kallar 35 km south of Batticaloa town at noon today. Another STF member was seriously injured and was admitted to Amparai hospital, police sources said.

The blast occurred when the STF personnel on a routine foot patrol were sitting on the stone, used by the devotees to crack-open coconuts, in front of the Periya Kallar Sinnapillaiyar Kovil.

Using the area around the stone as a resting place, to denigrate the sanctity of the temple and the revered Pillaiyar deity, has become a regular habit of the STF personnel, residents of the area said.

Following the blast the STF has attacked the people living in the vicinity of the temple, sources said.

In Kallar and Periya Kallar there has been increased activity of the STF during nights say residents of these areas. STF waiting in ambush in street corners and by-lanes have regularly attacked villagers, people affected by the STF actions told TamilNet reporter.

Meanwhile soldier Hemasinghe (28), who is attached to the 233rd Batticaloa regiment, sustained injuries when his gun accidentally fired. He was admitted to the Batticaloa General Hospital, police sources said.

Sources also said that the soldier fell asleep while on duty and accidentally pulled the trigger.