International

Violence erupts in Batticaloa

COLOMBO: At least five persons, including two cadre of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), the break-away faction of the LTTE, were killed as violence erupted in Batticaloa district on Thursday.

Observers said unless the situation was contained immediately, it could take a communal turn with serious implications for the eastern province. The outbreak of violence was a fallout of the political rivalry witnessed in the run-up to the recent election to the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC). The ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) won the election and TMVP chief Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan was sworn in Chief Minister. A group of the ruling combine, led by M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, had revolted against Mr. Pillayan’s appointment.

Thursday’s violence occurred even as President Mahinda Rajapaksa administered the oath of office to Mr. Hizbullah as Minister in the Pillayan Cabinet. His induction was seen as a measure to harmonise relations between the Tamils and Muslims.

The Defence Ministry said two TMVP members — the party’s chief organiser in Kaththankudi, Shanthan, and Parasuraman — were gunned down in the Muslim-dominated Kaththankudi region on Thursday. Two civilians were injured in the shooting. “The TMVP was formed as a Tamil political party by former LTTE leader Karuna Amman. Since then, the party has been fighting for its survival against the violence unleashed LTTE and campaigns engineered by pro-LTTE NGOs,” added the Defence Ministry.

Mr. Pillayan and SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem had a telephone conversation to discuss measures to ease the tension between the TMVP and Muslims.

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