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Security forces attack youth in Jaffna

Students from Jaffna University have been attacked by Sri Lankan police and military after protests against the military’s harassment of Tamil youths on Tuesday.

The peaceful demonstrations saw dozens of students rally outside the university, holding banners and shouting slogans.

According to TamilNet, four students were arrested and AFP reported that at least 20 sustained injuries, after SL police and military attacked the protestors.

Pictures published on TamilNet and some Sri Lankan media shows police beating students.

Tensions have been high in Jaffna as Tamils have been preparing to mark Maveerar Naal and security forces are attempting to suppress any commemoration.

On Tuesday, soldiers entered hostels in Jaffna University and attacked students, after lamps of sacrifice were lit.

Temple bells across Jaffna were tolled at 18:07, the time at which Lt Shankar died on November 27, 30 years ago.

TNA MP Saravanapavan, who rushed to the university after students complained of the assaults, was attacked by soldiers. Stones thrown at his vehicle caused extensive damage, but Mr Saravanapavan escaped unharmed.

TamilNet reports that military personnel were also stationed around the houses of TNPF politicians Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam and Kajendran Selvarajah.

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