A protest was held in Jaffna this morning to condemn the violence and arrests by Sri Lankan police that disrupted Shivarathri celebrations at the Vedukkunaari Athi Sivan temple on Friday.

The protest, which took place in Nallur, saw the participation of clergy from the churches, members of parliament, civil society, and other religious leaders. They all came together to condemn Sri Lanka’s arrest of 8 Tamils, who had attempted to mark the traditional Hindu festival at the Vavuniya temple.

Protestors chanted slogans demanding the immediate release of those who have been arrested, while condemning the lawful detention of the individuals.

The Athi Sivan Kovil atop the Vedukkunaari mountain in Vavuniya has been a place of worship for Tamil people for generations. However, Sri Lanka's archaeology department has declared as an ancient Buddhist site, amidst efforts by the state to carry out ‘Sinhalisation’ of traditionally Tamil sites in recent years. Efforts to colonise Tamil sites and areas have been aided by Sri Lanka's military and archaeology department, who have frequently accompanied Buddhist monks.

On the night of the festival last week, riot police were deployed, and police placed roadblocks preventing water bowsers from parking near the vicinity of the temple. Devotees had to walk nearly 5km to obtain drinking water. The police then arrested the chief priest and several others for conducting the rituals. They are yet to be released on bail.