• Wound down at noon following Nalinda’s assurances regarding probe 
• ITAK MP condemns NE NPP members’ alleged intimidation of shop owners 

A hartal protest was held yesterday (18) in the north and east, according to the Opposition Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK).

However, the hartal called in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, demanding justice for the recent death of a 32-year-old man in Mullaitivu and based on several other demands, has reportedly been unsuccessful. 

Although several political groups, including the ITAK, had called for the hartal, Government institutions and schools in the Northern Province were functioning as usual. While some trade associations had expressed support for the hartal, a number of other trade associations issued statements saying that they would not support it. 

Meanwhile, in certain areas of the Batticaloa District yesterday, many business establishments, public markets, private institutions, and other places were reportedly closed. 

Security has been tightened with the deployment of military and Police forces in towns affected by the hartal.

The hartal was called in response to the recent death of a 32-year-old man in Mullaitivu and the alleged actions of some members of the armed forces in the region. 

A group of individuals who had entered a military camp in Oddusuddan, Mullaitivu were allegedly assaulted by three members of the Army. The situation escalated when one of the young men, who had reportedly entered the camp, was later found dead in a nearby lake. 

Several military personnel are accused of involvement in the incident. The Police stated that two special investigation teams had been assigned in connection with the incident, and that three members of the Army had been arrested and remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, ITAK Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said that the hartal campaign had been organised in the Northern and Eastern Provinces to protest against the death of the 32-year-old man in Mullaitivu. 

The hartal was a resounding success, according to Rasamanickam. He confirmed that they had decided to end the hartal campaign at noon yesterday following assurances given by Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. 

Rasamanickam further claimed that following yesterday’s press briefing by Dr. Jayatissa, and based on assurances given regarding the investigation and steps being taken towards the removal of Army camps in the north and east, they had decided to conclude the protest at noon. 

The Parliamentarian also condemned the actions of members of the National People’s Power (NPP) in the Northern and Eastern Provinces who had reportedly threatened shop owners to keep their businesses open or face legal consequences. Such intimidation was a clear violation of the people’s democratic right to protest, he added.

On Saturday (16), the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress had also expressed full solidarity with the hartal announced by the ITAK, describing it as a peaceful protest demanding justice and accountability.

However, on Sunday (17) Dr. Jayatissa urged residents of the north and east not to be misled by false information and distortions aimed at undermining the Government and the country’s security forces. 

Commenting further, Minister Dr. Jayatissa said: “Investigations are underway. Three members of the Army have already been arrested and handed over to court.” 

He also alleged that certain political groups were attempting to incite unrest in the north and east by distorting facts and spreading misinformation. Furthermore, he emphasised that the public should understand the true facts and act in a peaceful manner.