EPDP-PLOTE clash in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 11 February 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Five persons from Eelam Peoples' Democratic Party (EPDP) were injured in a clash with the Democratic Peoples' Liberation Front (DPLF), the political front of the PLOTE, near Vembadi junction in Jaffna town this evening around 5.30 p.m., said sources in Jaffna.

The injured EPDP cadres were prevented from being admitted in hospital by armed members DPLF, who were at the hospital gates.

The confrontation took place close to the DPLF's office, where the two groups clashed with iron bars and staves.

Four motorbikes belonging to the EPDP were damaged and could only be retrieved by the EPDP when the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) came to its aid.

The SLA is expected to help in admitting the injured to Jaffna hospital.

The situation remained tense with armed EPDP cadres at the main bus stand in the Jaffna town and at their office on Stanley Road, while the armed DPLF members were gathered at their Vembadi office.

It is believed that the clash began when the DPLF's retaliated to the indignities its cadres suffered in the hands of the EPDP in Delft (Neduntheevu) island, off the Jaffna Peninsula.

Recently, a DPLF member known as Carter was severely assaulted by the EPDP there.

Sources said the EPDP was also in the practice of making threatening gestures in front of the DPLF office at Delft. Delft island is under the control of the EPDP.

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