‘Awa’ member killed in clash with police in Manipai

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  and Romesh Madushanka  

An individual was killed after police opened fire at suspected members of the ‘Awa’ group when they tried to attack a group of police officers at Manipai in Jaffna, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said. 

He said six suspects who arrived on three motor cycles had attempted to attack the police officers with swords when they tried to arrest them at around 8.40 on Saturday night.  
Police said a 22-year-old suspect was injured when the police opened fired at them and succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Jaffna Hospital.  

Police said the other five suspects had fled the scene. Police seized three swords and a motor cycle which were left behind by the suspects.  

The deceased suspect was identified as Selwaratnam Kavigajan, a resident of Kodikaman.