Trail of atrocities

Kurukkal gunned down by LTTE :

Chaminda Perera

Today marks the fifth death anniversary of Selliah Kurukkal Parameshwaran, the chief Kurukkal of Santhiveli Pulleyar Kovil, Batticaloa who was killed by a group of LTTE gunmen. Kurukkal Parameshwaran garlanded President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to Vakarai.

The Kurukkal’s assassination marked the ruthlessness and brutality of LTTE terrorists who showed their continued opposition to peace, religious harmony and reconciliation in the country.

President Rajapaksa’s first visit to Vakarai was on February 03, 2007 after the area was liberated from the clutches of terrorists as part of the humanitarian operation to free thousands of people who were held hostage by the terrorists.

A group of three LTTE terrorists entered Santhveli Pulleyar Kovil and took the Kurukkal to the backyard of his residence and shot him with a T56. The Kurukkal, a father of three, was taken out of his home while having dinner and brutally killed.

Residents hoisted black flags, while shops and schools in Valachchenai, Sittandi and Chenkaladi were closed protesting against the killing of the clergy.