Chunnakam Market Massacre

March 28, 1984
Chunnakam, Jaffna
Market attack
9
Killed
96
Injured

What Happened

Chunnakam market is situated 7 Kms from Jaffna town on Chunnakam road. This is a central market where most agricultural products grown in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and also other districts are brought for sale.

On 28.03.1984, Sri Lankan military arrived in tanks and jeeps at the Chunnakam market and the bus stop and started opening fire at the people crowded in these two places. Eight civilians were killed and about 50 were injured. The military set fire to the market and many shops were burnt down.

The military then left the location and drove through Mallakam along KKS road shooting everyone who came within their sight. One civilian was killed. From here the military went to Tellipalai. There, students from the Union College, who were coming out of the school after writing an examination, were attacked. 26 students were injured in this attack. Another 20 civilians who happened to be on the same road were also injured.

Perpetrators

Sri Lankan Security Forces

Sources & References

  • NESOHR - Lest We Forget Volume I

Documented Victim Demographics

Based on victims with documented names and details

Documented Victims (7 names)

# Name Age Occupation
1 Kanthaiya Balasupramaniyam 52 Watchman
2 Nagalinkam Sivasupramaniyam 54 Supervisor
3 Thampimuththu Suntharalingam 38 Labourer
4 Vallipuram Suntharalingam 68 Business
5 Vairavi Thiyakarasa 42 Business
6 Basubathi Thavamani 43 Housewife
7 Nadarasa Yokarasa 27 Business
Children (age ≤ 12)