Hartal in North-East demanding justice for ex-Mullaitivu Magistrate

Numerous establishments in the Northern and Eastern regions including businesses and schools ceased operations yesterday in response to a call for a hartal by seven Tamil political parties. The hartal was organised to demand justice for the former Judge of the Mullaitivu District T. Saravanaraja.

All business premises were closed for business in many towns across the region except for Government offices and banks. Despite the absence of an official holiday declaration, both students and teachers were also conspicuously missing from schools as well.  Public transportation, including long-distance buses, continued to operate as usual. In September Saravanaraja hastily left the island claiming he was facing threats to his life, pressures and harassment over orders issued by him regarding the contentious Kurunthamalai case. 

However, investigations by the police and the Judicial Services Commission have reportedly failed to uncover any threats against Saravanaraja. It was also revealed the Judge had neither complained to the police nor informed his Personal Security Officer (PSO) of any threats to his life.