New military top brass responsible for Jaffna attack - Vice Chancellor

[TamilNet, Monday, 19 December 2005, 13:19 GMT]
Jaffna University Vice Chancellor Professor C. Mohanadas charged the newly sworn-in top brass of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) for unleashing troopers on a peaceful demonstration. "This is a worst form of politically motivated military tactic," he said addressing a press meet held at the Jaffna Campus Student Union offices at 5 p.m. Monday. Professor Mohanadas condemned the attacks by the SLA on peaceful demonstrators including the attack on him Monday morning at Parameswara junction in Jaffna.

President of the Jaffna Campus Students Consortium Vijeyaruban and TNA parliamentarian Gajendran also participated in the press meet.

Professor Mohanadas said that this is the first time during his tenure a peaceful protest has been brutally suppressed by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). While accusing Lt. General Fonseka and Jaffna Commander Chandrasiri for authorizing the attacks on students, the Vice Chancellor said that the new political leaders in Colombo are directing the new wave of attacks on the students. He also said that the SLA camps must be removed from the proximity of the Jaffna Campus, allowing a peaceful environment essential to the functioning of an important educational institution.

Student Union President said that they have decided to boycott classes Tuesday as a protest against Sri Lanka Army's unlawful suppression of non-violent protests. He added that the students have a fundamental right to free speech and assembly.

Following Student Union decision to boycott classes, the Jaffna Campus Workers Union also said that they will support Students' action by an allout strike on Tuesday.