Teachers support student-protest

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 January 2001, 07:21 GMT]
The North East General Teachers' Union (NEGTU) issued a statement on Monday supporting the students' protest organised by the Jaffna University Community. In a statement issued Monday evening the NEGTU said that the present war should be stopped and permanent peace should be ushered in the northeastern province enabling teachers to perform their duties without any hindrance.

Due to the war, students are unable to follow studies in schools without fear. Hence it is our duty to extend our support to the proposed peace campaign in Jaffna, which is being organized, irrespective of political affiliations, said the statement.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Army soldiers and police personnel were deployed outside Jaffna University campus on Monday where students have planned to hold a demonstration on Wednesday.

The police have said that the demonstration will not be allowed and warned that dire actions will be taken against students if they demonstrate. On Saturday 9 students putting up posters were arrested at various places in the Jaffna.

Sources in Jaffna said the troops allowed only students and employees to enter the University Monday, preventing the involvement of other organisations supporting the protest.