Tamil auxiliary, SLA penetration team clash in Madhu, 1 dead

One Tamil auxiliary cadre was killed and another rushed to Kilinochchi hospital when Tamil auxiliary cadres who were on a road clearing mission in Madhu area on Parappukadanthan Road confronted a group of 15 Sri Lanka Army personnel who were hiding with a Claymore mine attached to a tree in the area, Mannar Political Wing Head of the Tigers, S. Iniyavan said. The penetration group, spotted by the auxiliary cadres of the road clearing patrol around 3:30 p.m., Saturday, exploded the Claymore and fled the scene after exchanging gunfire with the auxiliary cadres. The clash was reported inside the holy zone of the historic Madu church, Mr. Iniyavan further said.

The auxiliary cadres recovered 2 bags with instant food packs and 470 rounds, 7.62 mm, from the bags, Iniyavan added.

The area sourrounding the historic church of Madhu has bee declared a holy site by the Government of Sri Lanka.

The engagement of Sri Lanka Army penetration squads and the Claymore attacks where civilians were being killed, have angered the Catholic church in Mannar.

(http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=18309)