Jaffna Magistrate bans protests and demos

Sequel to violent public protests:

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The Jaffna Magistrate yesterday (23) issued an order against Northern Provincial Council Member, Anandi Shashidaran,President of People's Power Organisation Kumarawelu and Kokuvil Women's Organization's President, Rajini prohibiting the holding of all types of protests or demonstrations in Jaffna ,Police Spokesman, ASP Ruwan Gunasekara, said.

A police constable was injured in the violent protests that ensued in Jaffna over the killing and gang rape of Kayts schoolgirl, where protestors attacked the Jaffna Courts premises

The Magistrate has issued the order based on the violence perpetrated by demonstrators who carried out a protest on May 20, alleging the police for not taking timely action for the rape and murder case of Sivaloganathan Vidhya, the teenager from Punguduthivu who was gang raped and murdered last week. The protesters were demanding the death penalty on the accused.

According to reports the demonstrators stoned the court premises, damaging public property. The Police arrested nearly 130 demonstrators for damaging public property and remanded them till early June.

Meanwhile, the CID and the Special Investigation Unit have already started investigating into the murder of Vidhya. A separate investigation is underway over allegations against the Police officers of Jaffna and Kayts Police divisions, according to ASP Gunasekara.

As of now, on the instructions of the IGP, senior police officers in Jaffna have been immediately transferred out to other areas, Police Spokesman, Ruwan Gunasekara said. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Luxman Weerasekara of the Jaffna Division has been transferred to the Seethawakapura Police division. Superintendent of Police (SP) P.J.A.

Weerasekara of the Jaffna division has been transferred to Kilinochchi division. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) P.A.K.A. Senarthne has been transferred to the Mullaitivu Police division.

Chief Inspectors Q.R. Perera (Kayts) and B.M.R.K.B. Balasuriya have also been transferred to Mannar and Vavuniya respectively.

These officers have been replaced by SSP W.K. Jayalath who has been appointed to the Jaffna Division with immediate effect, according to the Police. ASPs D.S.D. Weerasinghe, U.A.P. Fernando and R.A.D.E.L. Randeniya have been appointed to the Jaffna division.

And in addition the Chief Inspector of Police F.U.K. Woodler, the HQI Wellawatte have been transferred to Jaffna.

The State Ministry for Child Affairs and United Lakvanitha Front have organised a 'Vigil night' for Sivaloganathan Vidhya. The event is scheduled for this evening and will be held at the Independence Square starting from 5.30 p.m.