Four university students were arrested yesterday (04) in Kilinochchi, as the north and the east observed a ‘black day’ of independence.
Jaffna University students, relatives of the missing and political and civil society organizations held a protest in the town, saying they cannot celebrate independence due to numerous reasons.
They include no lasting solutions to people of the two provinces, media repression, denial of freedom of expression and problems in daily life.
A tense situation occurred as police tried to disperse the protestors.
Water cannons and anti-riot personnel were deployed to quell the situation.
Newly-elected ITAK leader S. Sritharan and MP Charles Nirmalanathan were among the politicians present.
Black flags were raised in the university premises.
East too, observes
In the east, university students and relatives of the missing staged a march from Kallady Bridge in Batticaloa.
Police disruptions occurred here too, with the event being observed as a silent protest due to a court order.
TNA MP Shanakiyam Rasamanickam was present.
Pro-govt. rallies in Jaffna, Vavuniya
In the meantime, pro-government rallies and motorcades were held in Jaffna and Vavuniya.
(BBC Sinhala Service)
