Military accused of attack on Jaffna Uni. students

October 26, 2011, 10:38 pm, The Island 


by Dasun Edirisinghe

Undergraduates yesterday alleged that the military deployed in Jaffna was responsible for attacking Jaffna university students. One student was still warded with head injuries.

Convener of the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) Sanjeewa Bandara told The Island that there were 55,000 military personnel deployed in the Jaffna area, but they were not able to prevent attacks on students.

"The Students’ Council of the university protested on Oct. 17 against attacks on undergraduates four days back," he said adding that in return the President of the Students’ Council was attacked on Oct. 25 around 7.30 p.m.

The undergraduate, P. Kaviraj, is still undergoing treatment in Ward No. 28 of the Jaffna teaching hospital, Bandara said.

Criticizing the security forces in the peninsula, he said that the Jaffna police failed to act on their complaint and arrest anyone.

According to him, the military was not allowing even a peaceful demonstration to be conducted in the Jaffna area.

"We will launch a countrywide protest campaign against these attacks from next Monday," Bandara said adding that the government must stop targeting student leaders who shout against its corruptions and malpractices.

When contacted by The Island for comments, military spokesman Brigadier Nihal Hapuarachchi denied that the security forces were involved in the incident.

He said that the students pointed a figure at the security forces, but they did not complain to the police.

"After a proper complaint, if police ask for an investigation the Army could hold it," Hapuarachchi said.

The Minor offences branch of the Jaffna police said that the undergraduate was injured in a clash between those who support ragging and those against it.

A police officer said however, they investigate the complaint made by students and one student surrendered to the police in connection with the attack.

"We produced him in Court," he said.

When The Island contacted the Director of Jaffna hospital to inquire about the condition of warded student, she referred us to Consultant surgeon of the ward, but he was not available for immediate comments.

Duty Medical Officer of the Ward No. 28 refused to comment on the injured undergraduate.