3RD LEAD (Correction)

Muslim worshippers killed in grenade attack on Akkaraipattu Mosque

[TamilNet, Friday, 18 November 2005, 04:15 GMT]
Unidentifed assailants lobbed two grenades into the Akkaraipattu Jummah Mosque killing four Muslim worshippers Friday early morning at 5:45 a.m. At least eighteen worshippers were wounded. Two victims died on the spot and the other two succumbed to their wounds at Akkaraipattu and Amparai Hospitals, medical sources said. Tension prevails in Akkaraipattu, 64 km south of Batticaloa town. The assailants hurled grenades on the floor of the moque crowded with devotees attending Jummah prayers Friday morning.

Mr. Ibraheem, 36, Mr. Abubaker, 60, were the victims who died on the spot. Mr. M.I.M Mustafa and Mr. Noordeen were two of the victims who succmbed to their wounds.

Wounded persons were rushed Akkaraipattu Hopital.

Additional troops and police were sent to the site, police said.

Tamil civilians living in the border area were seen leaving their houses fearing a communal backlash following the incident.

The Mosque is located on Akkaraipattu-Amparai Road.