Seven people have been confirmed dead in a clash between LTTE supporters and the Special Task Forces (STF) yesterday (9th October). The incident took place in the East of Sri Lanka in Thirrukkovil, south of Akkaraipattu, in the Ampara Police Division at about 6.00 pm.

Deputy Inspector General of Police and Commandant, Special Task Force (STF), Mr. Nimal Gunatilleke, commenting on this incident stated that prior to the clash, a tractor carrying three people was stopped by STF personnel attached to the Kanchanakuda STF camp. The tractor had not stopped and therefore had to be halted by the STF. After questioning the driver and two passengers, the STF gave them a word of caution and permitted them to proceed.

The driver and two passengers had thereafter gone to the Thirrukkovil hospital and complained that they had been assaulted by the STF and sought treatment.

The LTTE in its reporting of the incident in the Tamil Net, states that “two LTTE members were seriously injured in the STF assault and had to be admitted to the Thirukkovil hospital for treatment.”

The Officer in Charge of the Thirrukkovil hospital told the Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) that they had been treated for minor injuries but had not been admitted.

The STF Commandant stated that following this incident there were demonstrations in Thirrukkovil and Akkaraipattu. The demonstrators included civilians and school children. Tyres were burned and logs were placed across roads and the demonstrators obstructed normal activities.

At about 6.00 pm, a mob of about two hundred advanced towards the Kanchanakuda STF camp and started pelting the camp with stones. The STF attempted to control the situation by firing tear gas and rubber bullets. However, the attackers continued hurling stones and started to fire shots. Some of the attackers forcibly entered the camp and set on fire two bunkers and a summer hut. The STF fired several rounds in the air, but as the mob refused to disperse, the STF was forced to open fire in self-defense. The attackers then fled.

Two intruders were found dead within the camp premises and two others were found dead just outside.

The Officer in Charge of the Thirrukkovil hospital said that thirteen people were admitted to the hospital and two succumbed to injuries. The remaining were transferred to the Kalmunai hospital where another one succumbed to injuries, making the total number of dead seven.

STF Commandant DIG Gunetilleke stated that six STF Officers were injured in the clash and were being treated at the Kalmunai hospital.

Minister of Defence, Mr Tilak Marapana speaking from Kalmunai in a lunch time telephone interview with SIRASA TV today, stated that the Government has decided to appoint a three member special commission headed by a retired judge to look into the incident. He said that the Government has decided to invite the LTTE to nominate a representative to be a member of the commission. The other member of the commission will be from the SLMM.