Tamil political party member shot by LTTE gunmen- Mannar

A member of the Tamil political group Eelam Peoples' Democratic Party (EPDP), was shot and injured by alleged LTTE gunmen at the Mannar Town area around 5.35p.m., yesterday (May 22). The EPDP member was identified as Ranaiyya Devan, 43, as Police said, "has escaped near death receiving two gunshot injuries at his left shoulder and neck". According to the sources, Mr. Devan was distributing an EPDP published newspaper at the Mannar bazaar area.

Following the shooting gunmen have fled the scene taking cover among civilians, sources said. The Vavuniya Police said that, Mr. Devan was rushed to the general hospital at Mannar for immediate medical attention, and further added he was recovering and out of danger.

Earlier, on 13th May LTTE gunned down Ms. Maheswari Velayudan, Human Rights activist and public relations coordinator of Minister Douglas Devananda in Jaffna.