Three soldiers injured in blast

Rafik Jalaldeen

VAVUNIYA: Three soldiers were injured when the LTTE detonated a claymore mine targeting an Army tractor at the Pompeimadu area on the Vavuniya - Mannar road last morning, the Media Centre for the National Security said.

According to a spokesman for the MCNS, the LTTE cadres detonated a claymore mine targeting an army tractor yesterday around 9.30 a.m.

Three soldiers sustained injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Vavuniya hospital.

Security Forces conducted a search operation in the area, he added.

Meanwhile, two businessmen were shot dead by the LTTE in Vavuniya on Wednesday night for failing to pay ransom to the LTTE, defence sources said.

According to defence sources, LTTE pistol men who arrived on a motorbicycle gunned down the businessmen on the spot at their business places on Wednesday round 8.45 p.m. in Vavuniya.

Preliminary investigation revealed that ransom collectors for the LTTE outfit who operate in the Vavuniya area shot dead the two traders when they refused to pay money.

“It is believed that the victims have already paid around Rs.375,000, a couple of months ago to the LTTE extortionists,” the sources added.