University closed

THE Jaffna University was closed for an indefinite period on 10 July following a protest against the detention of a student. The Sri Lankan Army arrested Krishnasamy Thivyan on 2 July at Inuvil, three miles north of Jaffna town, accusing him of connections with the LTTE and involvement in terrorist activities.

The University Student Union allege that Mr Thivyan was brutally beaten on arrest and tortured at the Kankesanthurai military base. The Union also say that he was involved in exposing human rights violations of the security forces and accused the Sri Lankan government of attempting to turn the Jaffna peninsula into a massive prison.

The Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission has received complaints that T Thilakaruban was arrested in mid-July by the security forces. Fisherman Xavier Anthony was killed by shells while fishing near Pooneryn. Anthony Selvakumar was seriously injured. Nine soldiers in a truck were injured by a LTTE landmine in Jaffna town on 16 July. The Army say four Tigers who attempted to breach defence lines at Muhamalai, north-east of Chavakachcheri, on 31 July were killed.

According to reports, robberies and murders are on the increase in the Jaffna peninsula and people say investigations are rarely carried out. Kanagasounthary Sivarajah, 52, was beaten to death at Kokkuvil on 2 July. She was the sister of EPDP MP S Thavarajah.


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