Eastern Muslims hold demonstrations, general shut down

[TamilNet, Saturday, 06 May 2006, 10:38 GMT]
General shut down was observed Friday in Ninthavur, Maruthamunai, Addalaichchenai, Akkaraipattu and Sainthamaruthu and Kalmunai, predominantly Muslim towns in the eastern province and demonstrations were held after Jumma prayers condemning the attempted murder of Dr.A.G.Hussain Ismail, Vice Chancellor of the South Eastern University, sources said.

The University is located in Oluvil in Amparai district.

The demonstrators demanded that the Sri Lanka government bring the culprits before court of law.

Unidentified persons fired at the car in which Dr.Hussain Ismail was traveling to varsity from his official residence in Addailchchenai on April 28 morning. However the vice chancellor and his security staff escaped unhurt, sources said.

University Teachers Association, Varsity Students Consortium, University Executive Officers Union and Non-Academic Staff Union jointly organized the general shut down and demonstration, sources said.

Shops, banks and government offices were closed and bus services came to a standstill in several towns in the eastern province, sources said.