Aaaraiyampathi public ignores TVMP call for hartal

[TamilNet, Monday, 23 June 2008, 14:02 GMT]
A call by TMVP(Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal) for hartal (mass protest) in Aaarayampathi to commemorate 31st day of the death of a key paramilitary operative Shanthan and his associate slain May 22 was ignored, and all activitities continued as usual, local residents said.

The two operatives of TVMP were killed by unidentified gun men in the Muslim town of Kaaththaankudi triggering a series of revenge killings in the region lasting nearly two weeks before the situation in the area was brought under control.

Despite calls by TVMP for a general shutdown of all businesses, schools and Government departments in Aaraiyampathi Monday, all institutions continued to function as usual.

Though the attendance of students in the schools in the region was low, the other establishments including District secretariat, Post office, Cooperative societies, and hospitals continued to provide normal services.

The transport services between Kalmunai and Batticaloa is continuing without any interruption, officials of Batticaloa depot of Sri Lanka Transport Board said.