Puttalam observes hartal against killings, abductions

[TamilNet, Thursday, 22 March 2007, 00:42 GMT]
Residents and traders in Puttalam observed a general shut down Wednesday condemning killing and abducting civilians demanding ransom, sources in Sri Lanka's west coastal town said. Shops were closed, public transport came to a standstill and normal life in the town was disrupted.

Puttalam Jemiyath Ulama Council and Al-Sura Council organized the general shut down and demonstration Mr.K.A.Faiz became a deputy minister when his party, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) joined the government last month.

A demonstration was also held in the town with the participation of large number of people including Mr.K.A.Faiz, Deputy Minister in the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government.

Several speakers at the demonstration said the police have not been taking prompt action to stop abductions and killings of civilians in Puttalam.