SLA attacks protesting auto-rickshaw drivers in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 20 December 2005, 12:32 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers Tuesday 3.30 p.m. attacked group of more than one hundred auto-rickshaw drivers and their vehicles who had assembled in Jaffna town in a protest by the Auto-Owners Union in support of a colleague injured by the SLA Monday, sources in Jaffna said. The auto drivers blocked Stanley Road, Kasturiar road and the roads proximity to the SLA camp when the SLA attacked the protesters.

Hundreds of additional troops who were brought to the scene in heavy vehicles started attacking the protesters and civilians assembled in the busy shopping area around the protest area.

Many auto-rickshaws were damaged in the attack.

Near the Windsor theater a standoff between the protesting public on one side and armed SLA troopers prevails.

Many business establishments have been closed and there is mounting tension in Jaffna.