The brutality against humankind and the gross violation of human rights continue unabated. LTTE s latest triumph seems to be the attack on the Thalladi church in Mannar. The barrage of artillery launched by the LTTE towards Thalladi destroyed the highly venerated St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Mannar. According to media reports, six soldiers from the nearby army camp deployed to clean the Church for a Valentine Day s sermon were killed due to this artillery fire. A further 10 soldiers had sustained injuries. What is most disturbing is that the attack took place after Rev. Fr. Thevaraja and four other priests had visited the location on Monday and made the request from the army for assistance. A number of questions remain unanswered. Was the timing of the LTTE attack on the church and the presence of the soldiers a coincidence or synchronised having prior knowledge of those requesting assistance from the army? On 9 February 2008 , the LTTE fired 80mm mortar at the sacred Madhu church erroneously anticipating military presence in the area. It is evident from this that the LTTE is working to drive a wedge between the liberating armed forces, the people living in the area, the Catholic church and the international and local Catholic community by initially destroying Catholic churches and then falsely accusing the Government. Unfortunately, even the Administrator of the Madhu church, Fr Email has refrained from naming the LTTE as the perpetrator of this crime publicly.
-SPUR |