Thambirai market bombing 17 May 1996

Thambirai market bombing 17 May 1996

Poonahar is situated in the Kilinochchi district 20 Kms from Kilinochchi town. This is a historic region. Thambirai is a small village in the Poonahar area. On 17.05.1996, at 10.00 am, Kfir bombers belonging to the Sri Lankan Air Force dropped bombs in the market area. People hearing the Kfirs had taken refuge under Palmyrah estate nearby.

Two bombs fell in the area. Five civilians were killed on the spot and two more died in the hospital. Seven civilians were badly injured. Francis Reetamma says,

1. “I live in Thambirai. My husband who went to the market on that day was killed when Sri Lankan Air Force bombers dropped bombs on 17.05.1996 and shell pieces went into his chest and stomach. About 5 people died in this bombing. 8 or 9 people were injured.”
2. Available names of victims (name, occupation, age)
3. Sinnathurai Ketheeswaran, Farmer, 29
4. Kandiah Thevarasa, Farmer
5. Thangavelu Ravichsanthiran, Toddy tapper, 34
6. Soosaipillai Fransis, Toddy tapper
7. Veerakaththy Alistin, Fisherman, 28
8. Appuththurai Sowntharanayagam, Toddy tapper, 35
9. Ratnam Palachchanthiran, Farmer, 29

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