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Heavy military presence at Jaffna Uni ahead of Maaveerar Naal

Photograph Uthayan

SL Army personnel and police officers have been seen deployed around the University of Jaffna, since last night with two military vehicles stationed close by,
the day before the Tamil national remembrance day, Maaveerar Naal, reports the Uthayan newspaper.

The University of Jaffna was closed suddenly today, with university administrative officials saying the university would remain closed until December 1st. Students living in hostels have been ordered to vacate the premises until then.

Locals reported seeing military officers watching over the university premises from tall buildings nearby. According to the military, students were planning to light a candle today, to mark the birthday of the LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran.

According to the newspaper, reports have emerged stating that intelligence officers and anti-terror police were seen inside university premises on motorcycles searching for any acts of remembrance.

The University of Jaffna has been subjected to heightened military presence during this time for the past few years, as the Sri Lankan government tries to clamp down on acts of remembrance for fallen LTTE cadre by Tamil students.

Related articles:

Ananthy Sasitharan's office under military surveillance (26 Nov 2014)

TNPF office surrounded by Sri Lankan military personnel (26 Nov 2014)

Three arrests over Maaveerar Naal posters (26 Nov 2014)

SL intelligence launches investigation into Uthayan over LTTE leader 60th birthday article (26 Nov 2014)

Death threats posted in Jaffna university
(24 Nov 2014)

Teachers' union condemn military presence at Jaffna Uni (14 Nov 2014)

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