Clashes reported in the wake of election all over the country

[TamilNet, Thursday, 08 April 2010, 19:56 GMT]
Clashes following Thursday parliamentary election between supporters of opposing candidates are reported to be taking place in several areas of the island, according to media reports. Former minister of the ruling United People’s Freedom (UPFA), M. Aluthgama is alleged to be directly involved in the assault of a member of the Election Monitoring Committee in Navalappiddi in the upcountry where incidents of post election violence has been high. Fights between two Muslim factions in Aalayadiveampu in Batticaloa in which Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) members are alleged to be involved, are also reported.

Minor incidents of clashes between opposing parties in Vavuniyaa, Trincomalee and Batticaloa have taken place following the election.

As allegations are being raised against former UPFA minister Risard Badudeen for being directly involved in election related violence in Vavuniyaa, news that his supporters had been assaulted in Puththa’lam area is floated with the aim to divert attention being focused on Risard Badudeen, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, accusation is leveled against the government authorities in Vavuniyaa for not having made proper arrangement for the Vanni uprooted civilians held in the detention centres in Vavuniyaa to cast their votes.