SLN fire on their allies

[TamilNet, Sunday, 23 November 1997, 23:59 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Navy fired on a EPDP boat that was on its way to the Neduthivu island yesterday, wounding five members of the organisation.

One EPDP cadre identified as Anojan 20, was seriously injured by the navy fire. The other wounded members of the EPDP are said to be Raman 21, Eesan 30, Mahathevan 23 and Jegan 20.

The incident took place in mid sea between Kayts and Nedunthivu (Delft island) about 4.30 p.m. yesterday. The EPDP had asked permission from the Navy two days ago to visit Nedunthivu in two of their boats.

However, yesterday they had set out for the island in three vessels. The navy had opened fire in mid sea without coming near the EPDP boats to verify their identities.

The EPDP went to discuss the matter today around 10 p.m. at the Sri Lankan navy's office in Kayts.

A sentry's gun there had misfired causing panic among people in the area that something had gone amiss between the SLN and the EPDP.