Poonahar is situated in theKilinochchi district 20 Kmsfrom Kilinochchi town. This is
a historic region. Thambirai isa small village in the Poonahar
area. On 17.05.1996, at 10.00 am, Kfir bombers belonging to the Sri Lankan Air Force dropped bombs in the market area. People hearing the Kfirs
had taken refuge under Palmyrah estate nearby.
Two bombs fell in the area. Five civilians were killed on the spot and two more died in the hospital. Seven civilians were badly injured.Francis Reetamma says, “I live in Thambirai. My husband who went to the market on that day was killed when Sri Lankan Air Force bombers dropped bombs on 17.05.1996 and shell pieces went into his chest and stomach. About 5 people died in this bombing. 8 or 9 people were injured.”
Available names of victims (name, occupation, age)
1. Sinnathurai Ketheeswaran, Farmer, 29
2. Kandiah Thevarasa, Farmer
3. Thangavelu Ravichsanthiran, Toddy tapper, 34
4. Soosaipillai Fransis, Toddy tapper
5. Veerakaththy Alistin, Fisherman, 28
6. Appuththurai Sowntharanayagam, Toddy tapper, 35
7. Ratnam Palachchanthiran, Farmer, 29