Lest We Forget

Lest we forget – Massacres of Tamils 1956 ­2002
world leaders. The pillars supporting the main hall were broken to smithereens and
they are kept even today near the altar. A memorial was also built for those killed in
the bombing near the entrance to the church.
91. Chundikulam­94 massacre ­ 18.02.1994
Thoduvai-Vaikal is a fishing
settlement in the Chundikulam
village in the Kilinochchi district.
On 18.02.1994, at 5.15 am the
fishermen were going into the sea
for fishing. The Sri Lankan Naval
Dvora boats that arrived began
opening fire at the fishermen.
Some of the fishermen had jumped
into the sea to save their lives.
Others had cut the nets off and were attempting speed back to the shore. The firing
was heard by the villagers at the shore. Worried villagers gathered at the shore for
the fishermen who had gone to sea. They could sea the fishermen being hit by the
fire and falling into the sea.
Ten fishermen died that day in the Sri Lankan Navy attack. Only three bodies were
recovered on that day and the other seven bodies washed ashore the following day.
After this the fishermen stopped going to the sea. The families were pushed further
into poverty as a result.
92. Navali church massacre ­ 09.07.1995
On the 9 th July 1995, eight rocket
bombs were dropped on Navali
church and its surroundings. The
church was crammed with people
who had sought refuge when they
realized the army was bombing their
area. 155 bodies of civilians were
recovered from the church and its
surroundings and 250 people were
injured. There is no doubt that the
Navaly village is in the Jaffna district. St
Peters church is a famous temple in
Navaly. Following the military orders to
the people to take refuge in public places
thousands of people left their homes to
take refuge in churches and temples.
About 2500 people had thus taken refuge
in St Peters Church.!!
!!!!!!
Report by NESOHR,
Information Collected by SNE
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