Pillayan group supporters attack Muslim traders in Thaazhangkudaa

[TamilNet, Sunday, 25 May 2008, 07:40 GMT]
Supporters of Shanthan, the key TMVP Pillayan group operative killed Thursday in Kaaththankudi, attacked Saturday around 1:00 p.m Muslim traders from Kaththaankudi at Thazhalngkuda area in Kaaththaankudi police division in Batticaloa district, sources in Batticaloa said. Meanwhile, Ea’raavoor police had chased a group of Muslim youths who tried to attack the Tamils who had gone to Ea’ravvoor for purchase provisions Saturday, the sources added. Tension prevails both in Batticaloa and Ea’raavoor following these incidents.

Following the TMVP Pillayan’s group attack on Muslim traders all shops in Batticaloa town were shut down and all transport between Batticaloa and Vaazhaichcheanai suspended.

Though the situation in Batticaloa was normal in the morning, tension built up by noon.

Large number of police and Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers is deployed in Batticaloa in order to prevent violence breaking out.

Schools and government offices were closed, Saturday being holiday.

Meanwhile, two Muslim youths alleged to have been abducted by Pillayan group Thursday afternoon in Kalladi area are yet to be released.

Ea’raavoor police rushed to Kalladi Bridge Saturday morning on information received that two corpses were floating in the river near the bridge, but did not find any in the search they conducted, police said.

However, Sivakeertha, the Mayor of Batticaloa Municipal Council had informed the relatives of the abducted youths that they will be released Saturday morning 8:00 a.m. and that they are keeping fine.

Chronology: