General shut down cripples Trincomalee fourth day

[TamilNet, Saturday, 07 January 2006, 05:25 GMT]
Normal life in Trincomalee town and its suburbs was completely paralyzed Saturday due to a general shut down called by the Tamil Resurgence Forum (TRF) which renewed its call for continued general shut down until the withdrawal of armed forces from the east port town soon after the burial of five slain Tamil students Thursday afternoon.

The general shut down observed by Trincomalee people since Tuesday was relaxed on Thursday for the funeral of the slain students. Students were allegedly shot dead execution-style by armed forces at Trincomalee sea beach on Monday night.

Business establishments of all communities were closed, and State and private sector banks did not operate. Government and provincial council offices, schools and other non-governmental organizations did not function. State and private sector transport services came to standstill. Public markets were closed down. Only government troops are seen on the roads, sources said.

Following the sinking of a Sri Lanka Navy patrol boat in Trincomalee sea early hours of Saturday with at least about fifteen sailors after an explosion, members of State armed forces have tightened their security in the east port town.

Every individual and vehicle is being thoroughly checked and passengers of vehicles are thoroughly questioned before allowed to proceed, civil sources said.