Trinco shuts down in protest of Kausalyan killing

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 09 February 2005, 05:11 GMT]
Trincomalee district Wednesday shutdown completely as members of all communities responded to the call of general shut down (hartal) condemning the killings of Mr.E.Kousalyan, LTTE Political head for Batticaloa-Amparai district, Mr. Ariyanayakam Chandra Nehru former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian and four others including three LTTE cadres Monday night at Pilaiyarady in Pollonnorawa district in the North Central Province, sources said.

Shops of all the three communities, government departments, provincial council offices, offices of local authorities and non-governmental organizations were closed. Schools of all mediums were also did not open. State run bus services came to a standstill. Markets did not function. Branches of State banks and private sector banks did not operate. Law courts did not function. . Roads were mostly deserted.

Red and yellow flags of the LTTE were seen flying on houses in the town and suburbs. The round about located at the Madathady junction, which is the entrance to the east port town, was seen decorated with LTTE flags, sources said.

Thamileelam national fag was seen flying half-mast in the political office of the LTTE, which is located in the heart of the town.

LTTE controlled villages in Muttur also observed the general shut down. LTTE flags were seen all over the buildings.