Violence on plantation

[TamilNet, Monday, 26 October 1998, 13:04 GMT]
A bungalow occupied by an official of the 'Pasare Group' estate in Badulla district and two vehicles belonging to the plantation company were set alight on Sunday night, said police sources in the hill town. Two persons who were wounded in the incident have been admitted to Badulla hospital, they added.

Nearly 1500 estate workers of the 'Pasare Group' have been striking since September 10. The employees have put forward 17 demands including one listed as "to stop racial discrimination of the employees".

Several discussions between the trade unions and the plantation's administration have failed to resolve the conflict, said sources.

The police said nearly 500 people had surrounded the bungalow before it was torched.