Communal violence in Kandy

[TamilNet, Sunday, 25 January 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Communal violence broke out in Kandy, about 110 km from Colombo, this after noon when Sinhalese mobs went on rampage damaging several Tamil shops and burning one completely. Kattukalai Hindu temple was also attacked by the mob. The large Hindu cultural hall in Kandy was also attacked by the mobs which beat up Tamils gathered there for weddings.

Tamil residents in Kandy have been threatened by mobs that their houses would be attacked tonight.

Youths, angered by the suicide squad attack on the fabled Buddhist temple in central Kandy, shout and march through the streets. Photo/Source: ANURUDDHA LOKUHAPURARACHCHI REUTERS

Several senior ministers including the Deputy Minister of Defence Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte are in Kandy at the moment.

The mobs had hooted and jeered at the ministers today when they went to see the damages caused to the Dalada Maligawa this morning. Police sources say 11 persons including three suspected bombers were killed and 23 others were injured in the explosion.

Sources in Kandy said that the government is yet to take action or declare curfew to bring the situation under control.