Navy shells village, 5 missing

[TamilNet, Friday, 18 February 2000, 18:46 GMT]
Several boats, fishing gear, and huts were damaged when Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) boats shelled the coastal village of Silavathurai, south of Mannar yesterday morning said sources. Five fishermen have been reported missing following the naval attack.

According to their relatives, the fishermen had set out for fishing in four small boats when they were attacked by naval boats.

They were identified as: Antonipillai Raveendran,44, Soosaipillai Pratheepan,21, Maruthanayakam Velummaylum,25, S.Nadaesakumar,30. Simiyon Jacob,25.

Their relatives have complained to the Mannar Government Agent, Bishop and Delegates of the ICRC.