2nd Lead (Adds details)

Kattankudy Divisional Secretary shot, injured

[TamilNet, Friday, 02 December 2005, 08:46 GMT]
Two unknown motorbike-riding gunmen shot and wounded Mr. A.L.M. Falleel, the Divisional Secretary (DS) of Kattankudy, at his office around 12:40 p.m. Friday, Police said. The DS, with gunshot injuries to his head and chest, was rushed to Batticaloa hospital. Kattankudy, a muslim town, is located 5 km south of Batticaloa town.

The gunmen, who entered the DS office shot Mr. Falleel with 9 mm handgun and fled the site located on Batticaloa - Kalmunai main road.

The DS is in critical condition, according to medical sources at Batticaloa hospital.

Kattankudy police has launched an investigation into the incident.

Internal political rifts and use of violence for political revenge within the Muslim community has been on the rise, an official at the DS office, who wished to remain anonymous, said adding it is likely that such internal factors motivated this attack.