The Chief Priest of Murukamoorthi Temple in Chankaanai of Valikaamam and his two sons were fataly injured Saturday evening when unknown gunmen opened fire at their house. 56-year-old Niththiyantha Sharma, the chief priest and 32-year-old Sivananda Sharma and 27-year-old Jegananda Sharma, were rushed to Jaffna Teaching Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, medical sources in Jaffna said. Meanwhile, civilian movement has been heavily restricted in Changkaanai by the Sri Lankan military that has rounded up the area, residents said. Journalists are denied access to the area. Recently, a temple musician playing Naathasvaram at a temple in A’laveddi in Valikaamam was also fired at by gunmen.
Civilians reaching the area of Saturday’s incident have been held at various places by the Sri Lankan military.
The reason for the firing in Chankaanai is not known.
Hindu temples and their functionaries have become the target for attack and robbery in Jaffna in recent times.
Temple properties, including images in the sanctums, have been robbed in the High Security Zone areas in Valikaamam.
Temples were intimidated not to toll bells on the Heroes Day, 27 November. They were asked to lower the bells from the temple belfrys.
Fearing reprisals, many temple authorities carried out the order of the military.
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