International   

Pro-LTTE MP killed in blast

COLOMBO: K. Sivanesan, a pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian, was killed on Thursday in a claymore mine attack in the LTTE-controlled Wanni area, said the military. It also said at least 43 Tigers were killed in fighting along the forward defence lines (FDLs).

TamilNet alleged that the MP from Jaffna was killed in the attack carried out by the Sri Lanka Army Deep Penetration Unit on the A-9 road, 30 minutes after he crossed into Wanni through Oamanthai/Puliyangkulam entry point. However, the military said no operations were being carried out there at that time.

Mr. Sivanesan’s driver died on the spot. Mr. Sivanesan died while being rushed to the Maangkulam hospital.

“If the reports given by LTTE propaganda elements are correct, the location of the bomb blast is at least 25 km in the LTTE dominated area from our last [security forces’] bastion at Omanthai. How can we expect anyone, even a well trained commando group to enjoy a cakewalk that far on the heavily guarded A-9 road?” the Defence Ministry quoted an unnamed official as saying.

Separately, intermittent clashes between troops and the LTTE ahead of Wanni and Northern defences on Wednesday claimed the lives of at least 43 Tigers Fourteen others were injured. Four soldiers died and four others were injured.

In separate attacks at Nagarkovil and Muhamalai on the Jaffna front, troops destroyed two LTTE bunker defences killing three Tigers.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Pakistan Army is fully behind democratic process: General Kayani
Gaza facing worst humanitarian crisis
Pro-LTTE MP killed in blast
Bhagwati group ceases operations
Anwar slams move on indelible ink
Lawyer challenges pardon

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu