Protest against kidnappings shuts down Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 February 2006, 09:12 GMT]
Entire Batticaloa district, on Monday, observed a shut down protest against the abductions of the seven humanitarian staffers of the Tamils Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO). The protest, called by the employees of local and foreign NGOs, who abstained from work, also drew support from private businesses and public services. Shops and banks remained closed. Public offices and schools wore a deserted look. The fate of seven TRO staffers, who were abducted while travelling on the A11 Batticaloa - Polonnaruwa road, the Main Supply Route (MSR) of the Sri Lanka Army one week ago, is not yet known.

The NGO workers forum in Batticaloa district has urged the Sri Lankan authorities to take "meaningful steps" to secure the immediate release of the humanitarian workers.

The Forum also urged the International Community to use its influence in not allowing the authorities in Sri Lanka to politicise the issue of abudction of humanitarian workers.

Special Task Force (STF), SLA troopers and the police intensified patrolling on the streets of Batticaloa. Protestors burnt tires and blocked roads in several parts of Batticaloa District.