Hartal over killings

[TamilNet, Thursday, 23 December 1999, 10:53 GMT]
A hartal is being observed today in villages in Kalmunai south of the Ampara district, condemning the killings of a mother and her daughter, close relatives of the National Propaganda Secretary of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress A.L. Abdul Majeed, residents said.

Government offices and shops were closed and bus services were suspended they said.

Black and white flags are seen all over the places in the villages, Kalmunaikudi, Sainthamaruthu and Malikaikadu.

Tension prevails in these areas.

Police have strengthened security with armed policemen guarding important places in these areas.

Mr.M.H.M.Ashroff, SLMC leader and the Minister of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Port Development accompanied Mr.Rauff Hakeem, SLMC General Secretary were scheduled to attend today evening the funeral of those killed in the incident, residents said.

In the meantime, a car belonged to an Attorney-at-Law A.M.Hakeeb, a supporter of the opposition United National Party was burnt down last night, police sources said.