Hartal observed in Batticaloa, Amparai to protest Raviraj killing

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 November 2006, 22:33 GMT]
General shut down was observed in Batticaloa and Amparai districts on Tuesday as a mark of protest against the killing of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian for Jaffna district Nadarajah Raviraj and remembering his services to the society, civil sources in Batticaloa said. The hartal organized by Batticaloa-Amparai Tamil National Forum and Student Consortium.

White and black flags were hoisted to mourn his demise in houses and shops and banners were displayed with slogans condemning the killing in villages and towns.

Normal life came to a standstill in both districts and Government departments, offices, banks, Schools were closed. All shops and businesses belonging to Tamils and Muslims, including Kalmunai public market were closed.

Public transport services between Batticaloa- Valaichchenai, Batticaloa - Kalmunai, Kalmunai-Akkaraippattu, and Kalmunai-Amparai came to a standstill and all the main roads seen deserted.

Special Task Forces (STF) and Sri Lankan Army (SLA) personnel in large numbers were seen guarding strategic positions, according to residents.

Meanwhile, Batticaloa ­ Amparai Tamil National Forum and Student Consortium, in a statement said: ˜Raviraj voiced against human rights violations and the forces against peace in Sri Lanka, and argued for the rights of Tamil people. Though dead he is still alive and will live in the hearts of the people who love peace."

Chronology: