Nahathambiran Temple Pilgrims Claymore Attack

June 2, 2008
Karippaddamurippu, 8km from Mankulam
Claymore attack
6
Killed
4
Injured

What Happened

Car carrying 10 people (women and children from 3 families) returning from Nahathambiran Hindu temple festival (crowd was small due to frequent attacks in Vanni). At 8pm on Oddusuddan-Mankulam road, DPU claymore attack at Karippaddamurippu. 6 killed on spot. 4 injured taken to Mullaitivu hospital after long delay.

Perpetrators

Sri Lankan Army Deep Penetration Unit

Documentary Evidence

Warning: These images document the aftermath of this attack and may be disturbing.

9 images from documentary reports. Click to enlarge.

Sources & References

  • NESOHR - Massacres of Tamils 1956-2008, Page 199
  • https://sangam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/English-Massacres-of-Tamils-1956-2008.pdf
  • https://telibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2008-06-Claymore_attack_templegoers.pdf

Documented Victim Demographics

Based on victims with documented names and details

Documented Victims (10 names)

# Name Age Occupation
1 Iyathurai Vasanthakumar 30 -
2 Kanapathipillai Kanesh -
3 Kanapathipillai Muruhathas 38 -
4 Kanesalingam Kanista 8 (Child) -
5 Muruhathas Thanushan 4 (Child) -
6 Tharmalingam Loheswari 45 -
7 Injured pilgrim 1 -
8 Injured pilgrim 2 -
9 Injured pilgrim 3 -
10 Injured pilgrim 4 -
Children (age ≤ 12)