Sinhala mob attempts to destroy Eelam cut-out during hartal

[TamilNet, Monday, 29 November 2004, 08:37 GMT]
Trincomalee Police Monday morning dispersed a group of Sinhalese that was attempting to pull down the large Tamil Eelam cutout erected in front of the Paththirakali Ambal Temple, during the general shut down in the eastern port town Monday. The cutout was erected in the heart of Trincomalee to mark the Heroes Day celebrations week. The cut-out is still standing, police said.

The Sinhala mob armed with poles and other weapons rushed to the temple area during the hartal with the intention of destroying the cutout. Tension prevailed in the area when a group of Tamils also rushed to the spot. A contingent of Police was immediately deployed and prevented the mob from destroying the cut-out.

No major damage was caused to the cut-out, police sources said. In the meantime, the driver of the bus that was attacked with a grenade in Andankulan near Tricomalee on Monday morning died, Police said.

Two others in the bus at that time Mr.Upali Chandana and Mr.Chamintha were injured. About five persons of both communities were injured in clashes that took place in other parts of the town, police said.

These incidents took place before Trincomalee town and its suburbs were brought down under curfew from Monday 11 a.m., police sources said.