Deaths of Jaffna uni students: Harthal underway in North

A Harthal organized to protest the recent deaths of two Jaffna University students is currently underway in the Northern province. 

Most shops in the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya were closed this morning on account of the Harthal. Public transport services were affected as well, with almost no buses seen on the roads, severely inconveniencing commuters. 

Schools in the middle of most towns were also closed for the day. Some students and teachers who had arrived at their schools this morning were seen leaving after learning of the closures. 

Black flags are also being displayed at the University of Jaffna and its Vavuniya Campus. 

The Harthal was organized for today after discussions between the five political parties representing the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) and representatives of civil society organizations. 

Story and Pix by Romesh Madhusanka

 

 

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