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Protests continue in North-East calling for justice over murdered Tamil schoolgirl

2nd lead

Protests took place at locations across the North-East on Monday calling for those responsible for the rape and murder of a Tamil schoolgirl last week to be brought to justice.

Angry scenes were seen in Jaffna, where tyres were burnt after reports spread that one of the suspects arrested over the murder of 18 year old Sivaloganathan Vithiya had escaped from police custody and had travelled to Colombo. The suspect was later caught and returned to Jaffna.

Protestors surrounded the Jaffna police station and Jaffna court, demanding the suspects be handed over to them.

Warning locals that ongoing protests would result in arrests and legal action, the police proceeded to increase the security presence in the town.

Protests also took place in Jaffna town and in schools across the region, including at the Jaffna Saiva Sanmarka School, in Valikaamam, as well as schools in the islets off the peninsula, with many demanding those responsible for the murder face the death penalty.

It comes as the Sri Lankan Tamil teachers forum called for a boycott of classes tomorrow in the North-East, protesting against the murder.

Meanwhile in Kilinochchi, people gathered at the main junction with banners and placards denouncing the murder and joining the call that those responsible be punished.

Related articles:

Jaffna youths call for immediate action to halt increasing sexual violence (17 May 2015)

Anger in Jaffna over murder of school girl (15 May 2015)

School children protest in Jaffna demanding justice for rape and murder of classmate (15 May 2015)

School girl raped and murdered in Jaffna (15 May 2015)

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