Vadamaradchy observes hartal

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 11 December 2002, 13:18 GMT]
All business activities in Nelliady, Puloly, Udupiddy, Valvettiturai and Manthikai areas in Vadamarachchi division in Jaffna district Wednesday came to a standstill as hartal (general shut down) was observed in protest against the Police attack on civilians who picketed the office of the para military Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP) Tuesday afternoon, sources said. Picketing was held against the presence of EPDP cadres in Nedunthivu island others areas in the peninsula.

In the police attack it is now learnt that more than thirty persons were injured.

Traders Associations in these areas called for a general shut down condemning the Police brutality against unarmed civilians and traders, sources said. Nelliady and Puloly bazaar areas were found deserted Wednesday as shops were closed down, residents said.

Government offices continued to function with the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level examinations which were in progress continued without disruption.

The Traders Association spokesperson said that until safety of traders and civilians are assured the protests will continue.

Eight civilians including a Tamil journalist Mr.V.Thavachelvan were admitted to government hospitals at Manthikai and Jaffna with gunshot and grenade attack wounds, medical sources said. Medical sources claimed some wounds found on the bodies of persons admitted for treatment were caused by live bullets.

Meanwhile the Police said that have arrested fouteen persons for violent behaviour on Tuesday and produced them before Point Pedro magistrate M. Thirunavukarasu. The magistrate ordered them to be kept in remand till 24 December.

In the meantime, several welfare and social organizations have made arrangements to hold a mass hartal (general shut down) covering the entire Jaffna district Thursday December 12 condemning the police attack on unarmed civilians on Tuesday at Nelliady, sources said.