Northeast shuts down over checkpoint gunfire

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 10 May 2005, 10:59 GMT]
The normal life was disrupted in several parts of the districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Amparai, in the Northeast province Tuesday following a hartal (general shut down) condemning the attack on protesting civilians by Sri Lankan security forces at Santhiveli in Batticaloa, Monday, in which one person was killed and more than 15 others, including 5 school children were injured.

In Jaffna district civilians and police clashed in Chavakachcheri as Police fired tear gas to disperse protesting civilians.

A Sri Lanka Army (SLA) sentry was damaged during the clash, sources said.

Protestors burning tyres at Chunnakam market.

In Trincomalee three explosions were heard in the heart of town between 10 and 11 a.m. Sri Lanka Police said that hand grenades were not involved and speculated that the sound was from explosives used for demolition.

Across the Northeast, schools were closed and Provincial Council offices did not function, as employees did not report for work. Central government offices were also closed.

shops were closed in Trincomalle.

State and private banks did not operate. Business establishments were shut.

In many areas state and private bus services almost came to a standstill, sources said.

In Batticaloa black flags were hoisted on several houses and buildings. Train services were suspended and the public market was closed down, sources said

More police, army and navy personnel have been deployed major junctions in the towns and other areas in Army controlled areas. Riot police squads were deployed to prevent any trouble breaking out, sources said.