Hartal call after EPDP assault kills 2

[TamilNet, Thursday, 29 November 2001, 00:13 GMT]
The Tamil National Alliance Wednesday appealed for a general shut down protest ('Hartal') in the northeast province condemning the brutal attack on its candidates and supporters at Naranthanai; Jaffna by armed cadres of the pro-government Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP). Mr. Anandasangaree, acting President of the Tamil United Liberation Front TULF), a constituent of the Tamil National Alliance made the appeal at a press conference held at the party's office in Jaffna at 3 p.m., Wednesday afternoon.

Mr. Anandasangaree accused Mr. Douglas Devananda, Minister and EPDP leader for this attack. He said Mr. Devananda was at Allaipiddy at that time. Allaipiddy is one of the islets, close Naranthnai.

Mr. Anandasangaree accused EPDP local leader -Mr. Mathanarajan, Pradeshya Sabah (local council) President, and Mr. Napolean, EPDP organizer for Kayts for leading the attack.

"EPDP leaders have now resorted to thuggery and violence because they are certain of their defeat at the forthcoming general election in the Jaffna district," Mr. Anandasangaree further said

Mr.Anandasangaree, chief candidate of the TNA in Jaffna district also appealed to the Jaffna's Superintendent of Police Mr.Kuadhetty to arrest Mr. Douglas Devananda, Mr.Mathanarajan and Mr. Napoleon and produce them in courts.

Mr.N.Raviraj, Jaffna Mayor and a candidate of the TNA said, "Navy personnel who were on duty at the scene did not take any steps to stop the attack on us. They were merely onlookers. People of the village knew that EPDP armed cadres were directly involved in the attack."

Meanwhile the death toll in the Neduntheivu attack has risen to two after the driver of a three wheeler later succumbed to injuries sustained in the assault. Earlier an employee of Jaffna University was killed. Two police officers who provide security to Mr.Raviraj in the capacity of Mayor were also among the wounded 18.

The Police have tightened the security of the hospital where wounded candidates and supporters of TNA have been warded, medical sources said.