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by Trincomalee correspondent

Trincomalee district MP R. Sampanthan has requested the Prime Minister to take appropriate steps to bring to an end indiscriminate shelling into Tamil civilian populated areas in the Mutur east villages in Trincomalee district.

In a letter to the PM Sampanthan has stated that on Tuesday, December 11th the Army Camp at Pallathadichenai, Mutur was attacked. This was preceded by Army personnel laying in ambush killing three LTTE cadres who passed through the area.

Following the attack on the Army Camp adjoining villages occupied by Tamil civilian population such as Pallathadichenai, Peruveli, Pallathoppur, Allainagar, Manalchenai, Pallikudirippu, Thangapuram were continuously shelled with heavy artillery by the armed forces."

From the information I have been able to gather collateral damage referred to herein below was caused.

Injury to the knee has been caused to a young man named Thayaparan from Pallathadichenai. A woman from Pallathadichenai has been injured. Another woman from Manalchenai and her two children, a daughter and son have been injured. Several houses and a boutique have been damaged in Manalchenai.

Nineteen goats belonging to a person named Srithiravale Thalayasingam have been killed in Pallikudirippu. Livestock has also been killed in Pallathadichenai and Palathoppu.

Unexpected shells have been strewn in the paddy fields in these villages rendering it dangerous for farmers to enter their paddy fields. There is no LTTE camps in these villages and the armed forces are well aware that the areas shelled were populated by Tamil civilians. The civilian population are compelled to lead a restless life through fear, they are not able to carry on their occupation or normal activities.

There can be no justification for Tamil civilians being indiscriminately targeted. The situation has continued for far too long.

Mr. Sampanthan has requested the PM to direct the appropriate authorities to inquire into the damage caused and adequately compensate the affected persons.

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