Sri Lankan cricketers now safe: shootout at Pakistan [Updated]
6 Sri Lankan cricketers were reported injured
including skipper Mahaela Jayawardene, wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara and Tilan Samaraweer in a shootout at Lahore in Pakistan this
morning (March 3). According to Pakistan news sources, the visiting Sri
Lankan cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi international stadium
minutes before commencing of the 3rd day's play of the second test
between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Reports received confirm that seamer
Chaminda Vaas, open batsman Tharanga Paranawithana, spin sensation
Ajantha Mendis also among the injured including 4th umpire Ashan Raza.
Latest information from Lahore confirms that the Sri
Lankan players are now out of danger and had received minor injuries.
At least 5 Pakistan policemen providing security to
the Sri Lankan players were reported killed who had valiantly fought
with the unidentified gunmen. According to available information, 4
unidentified gunmen who had arrived in a white car had opened
indiscriminate small arms and RPG grenade attacks at the bus and the
escort vehicles that were transferring the Sri Lankan cricketers to the
stadium. Tension prevails in the area with Pakistan security forces and
Police engaged in hot-pursuit of the gunmen. Speaking to media
hours after the attack, the Sri Lankan players were all praise for the
bus driver who had continued driving the bus to safety into the stadium
amidst the flurry of gunfire and grenade attacks. They all
forwarded their condolences to the family members of the
brave Pakistani Policemen who succumbed while protecting the Sri Lankan
players from the indiscriminate gun attack.
Meanwhile, the Punjab provincial governor making an
initial comment to media has said that the attack bears hall marks of
the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack on 2008.
Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona
speaking to news agencies on the Lahore attack said that this incident
is unlike to cause restraints between the two countries who also
emphasized commitment from the cricketing world to certain the presence
of Pakistan as a major player in the game. Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India
are all nations that are making stringent efforts to defeat the
terrorist outfits in the South Asian region including the LTTE
terrorists.
Also, praising the Pakistani security forces for
securing the safety of the cricketers, Foreign Secretary Kohona evoked
the solidarity shown by both Pakistan and India towards the island
nation during the famous 1996 cricket world-cup, when Sri Lanka was
blacklisted as an 'unsafe' destination by foreign propagandists.
Answering to a question raised by a foreign journalist
on the probability of shadows of LTTE terrorists behind the attack, Dr.
Kohona said that, "We have to wait until Pakistan conclude initial
investigations before drawing speculations", yet admitted the very
existing links between LTTE and extremist terrorist organizations in the
troubled borders of the south Asian region.
Also commenting on the Sri Lankan situation itself,
Foreign Secretary viewed hope of returning peace in the island, with the
elimination of LTTE terrorists who are now cornered in a mere 40 Sq.km
patch in Puthkkudiyirippu. Earlier, the terrorists refused all avenues
provided by the GoSL to enter mainstream politics.
 |
 |
 |
|
The bus, which was carrying the Sri Lankan cricketers, is seen
with bullet holes, outside the Gaddafi stadium after the
shooting incident in Lahore, Pakistan on Tuesday, March, 3,
2009. Courtesy: AFP |
Bullet holes are seen on a window of a bus, which was carrying
the Sri Lankan cricketers, parked outside the Gaffafi stadium
after the shooting incident in Lahore, Pakistan on Tuesday,
March, 3, 2009. Courtesy: AFP |
A Pakistani policeman inspects a vehicle after masked gunmen
attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. At
least eight people were killed and six Sri Lankan team members
were wounded in the attack, police said. Courtesy: AFP |
| |
 |
 |
|
| |
Pakistani policemen inspect a police van at
the site of the gun attack in Lahore on March 3. Courtesy: AFP |
Pakistani rescue
workers gather at the site of a shooting in Lahore March 3,
2009. Courtesy: AFP |
|
|
