The government coalition partner and party consisting of Buddhist monks, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) on Wednesday called for the Sri Lankan security forces to take action against Tamil demonstrators in Jaffna who are protesting against the rape and murder of a school girl in Pungudutivu, accusing them of threatening the lives of Sinhalese residents.

The 18 year old Advance Level student, Vithiya, is believed to have been raped and murdered by local Tamil men last Wednesday, who are being held in remand at Jaffna police station by court order. The incident has sparked protests across the region, with Tamils demanding that the perpetrators face justice.

The JHU's media secretary, Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe, said that the demonstrators were "threatening the Sinhalese in Jaffna and forcing them to leave that area", the Daily Mirror reported.

"Racist, separatist and terrorist groups were trying to raise their heads again by hiding behind this incident and added they were resorting to violent acts as well," he added, urging that legal action be taken against those found responsible for the violence.

The accusation has been rejected by the TNA MP M A Sumanithiran, who said the JHU's comments were baseless and aimed at stirring up racial tensions.

"There was not even a hint of targeting the Sinhalese living in Jaffna or anything of that sort. That is a complete fabrication. The protest was an expression of the people;s anger at the brutal murder of this student," Mr Sumanthiran told the Daily Mirror.

"This suggestion is uncalled for and is designed to stir up racial hatred in the country. They should be withdrawn immediately."

Distrust and scepticism over whether the Sri Lankan police and legal system would ensure justice was served increased yesterday, following the escape of one of the suspects to Colombo. The suspect was later found and returned to Jaffna police station.

Demanding that justice be done, protesters encircled Jaffna court house yesterday. Riot police, military personnel and special task force officers were deployed and tear gas fired into the crowds and stones were thrown towards the court house. 127 people were arrested.

The violence has been condemned by the chief minister of the northern province, who said that outside elements were trying to exacerbate the longstanding distrust that existed between the Sri Lankan police and the Tamil people.

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