STF shoots dead 2 Tamil youths after Claymore attack

[TamilNet, Sunday, 22 June 2008, 13:25 GMT]
Sri Lankan Special Task Force (STF) commandos, an elite commando unit that comes under the Sri Lankan Police, shot and killed two young Tamil males, as the STF went amok on the residents in Ka'luthaava'lai, 22 km southeast of Batticaloa city, after a Claymore ambush killed a STF commando and a policeman in the village Sunday morning. Several civilians, including women and children, were assaulted by the STF.

Dead bodies of the two young Tamil males were handed over to Ka'luvaangchikkudi hospital at 3:30 p.m.

One of the victim was identified as 22-year-old Sivarasa Rathenthiran from Pazhukaamam. He had married just 6 months ago, according to the villagers.

The other victim is yet to be identified.

Meanwhile, 15 civilians were treated for their wounds caused by the beating by the STF. One of the wounded was to be transferred to Batticaloa hospital for further treatment, according to medical sources.

Young boys were caught by the STF commandos, held on their feet and thrashed on the wall, residents complained.

The STF personnel also smashed the televisions and equipments inside the houses during their cordon and search operation.

Chronology: