Sri Lanka Strike: Tamil, Muslim Communities Protest Amid Tensions

Colombo, Aug 18 (PTI) - On Monday, Sri Lanka's opposition parties representing Tamil and Muslim communities declared their protest shutdown in the island's northern and eastern regions a "resounding success," despite alleged intimidation from the ruling party. Organizers reported strong backing for the strike from local businesses in the Tamil-majority north and the Muslim-majority east. This action was a response to the death of a 32-year-old civilian after a confrontation with military forces earlier this month in the northeastern district of Mullaitivu.

In a statement shared on social media, Tamil politician and Eastern Province MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam characterized the protest as a "resounding success," although it was halted at noon after receiving assurances from the government. "I vehemently condemn the actions of NPP (National People's Power) members in the north and east who reportedly pressured shop owners to remain open under threat of legal repercussions. Such actions are a blatant violation of democratic rights to protest," stated the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) leader.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a primary organizer of the protest, alleged that Tamil youth visiting a military camp in Oddusuddan, Mullaitivu, were attacked by soldiers. According to the TNA, one of these young men was found dead, having drowned in a stream while allegedly fleeing the assault. Tamil parties assert that such incidents are frequent in regions with a significant military presence and advocate for a reduced military footprint to enhance civilian liberties.

However, the government dismissed these claims from the opposition, labeling the shutdown a "political action by defeated groups" designed to incite disorder in Tamil-populated areas. It emphasized that swift legal measures were undertaken, highlighting the arrest of military personnel connected to the incident.

"This is evidently an effort to intimidate residents in the north and east by disgruntled political factions," stated Information Minister Nalinda Jayathissa during a press briefing on Sunday. Jayathissa further noted, "The incident occurred on August 7, and by August 9, three soldiers were arrested," arguing that the populace is being misled for political motives. Additionally, military spokesman Waruna Gamage denied allegations of assault and asserted that the youths were intruders.

The detained soldiers are to remain in custody until August 19 and will participate in an identification parade as part of the ongoing investigation, reported police spokesman FT Wootler.

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