SLA officer injured, a teacher dead in claymore attack in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Friday, 13 July 2007, 08:10 GMT]
Unidentified persons triggered a claymore device Thursday around 6:30 p.m., targeting a high officer of Sri Lanka Army (SLA) 52nd Division, travelling in a pick-up through Thumpa'lai area in Point Pedro in Vadamaraadchi. The officer, seriously injured, was rushed to Palaali Military hospital, where he is said to be fighting for his life. A teacher, returning after prayers at the temple, happened to be passing the site of attack on bicycle, died due to shock, local residents said.

The dead teacher was identified as Maniam Kanapathipillai, 51, a staff of Point Pedro Sivapragasam Maka Viththiyaalayam.

Kanapathipillai's body, found with a minor injury, was taken for post mortem examination.

The attackers, waiting in ambush for the officer, had activated the claymore device which was hidden along the road.