General Shut-down as Military Closes Point Pedro Schools
A complete 'hartal' (general shut down) was observed in Point
Pedro and Manthikai areas in the Jaffna peninsula Tuesday in
response to a call by the Jaffna Journalists' Association condemning
the assault of two journalists and students during the picketing
campaign held Monday. All shops and schools were closed down and
black flags were hoisted. The military ordered the indefinite closure
of Hartley College and Vadamarachchi Methodist Girls High School
whose students were involved in Monday?s protests.
Meanwhile, police and army personnel were seen rebuilding their sentry
and checkpoints, which had been destroyed by students Monday in
protest against the closure of roads for public and vehicular movements,
the TamilNet correspondent in the area said.
Soldiers were also seen videoing people of the area. More soldiers
including motor patrol units were brought down to Point Pedro. Soldiers
were seen taking up positions in the four corners of Point Pedro, the
correspondent said.
In the meantime, the Army ordered the education officials to close
Hartley College and Vadamarachchi Methodist Girls High School until
further notice. The Jaffna SLA area commander Major General Sarath
Fonseka issued the order at a conference held Monday evening at the
headquarters of the 52-4 Brigade stationed in Point Pedro.
Education officials and Principal of Hartley College attended the
conference, which was urgently summoned by the SLA to review the
situation following Monday's student protest.
Meanwhile, the defence minister Tilak Marapone is reported to have
told reporters in Colombo that except students and teachers no others
will be allowed to go through the main road which leads to schools
Hartley College and Vadamaradchi Methodist Girls High School.
Courtesy: TamilNet, September 03, 2002
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