Police fire tear gas on JVP demonstrators in Trinco

[TamilNet, Friday, 24 June 2005, 12:31 GMT]
Sri Lankan riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the supporters of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) when demonstrators started throwing stones at the Police who tried to block the procession, sources said. JVP supporters were holding the protest demonstration to condemn the government for signing the P-TOMS agreement with the LTTE. JVP is a former close ally of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA).


JVP supporters hold demonstration at the Clock Tower junction in front of the new erected Buddha statue, close to the Trinco bus stand

The demonstration was held at the Clock Tower junction close to the Trincomalee main bus terminal, in front of the newly erected controversial Buddha statue stands, sources said.

Two police vehicles were damaged, according to sources.

The vicinity of the bus stand along the Dockyard Road became a mini-battle ground Friday around noon. The demonstrators withdrew to their earlier position at the Clock Tower junction, when the police started firing teargas cannisters, police said.

The Police blocked all roads leading to the bus terminal during the protest.