JVP’s fuel hike protest thwarted with tear gas

Thursday, 16 February 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Chamitha Kuruppu

Police fired tear gas and used water cannons to prevent a protest by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JPV) in Maligawatta yesterday evening.

JVP parliamentarian Sunil Hadunneththi was injured during the tense situation. According to JVP parliamentarian Vijitha Herath a tear gas bullet has hit Handunneththi’s forehead.

The JVP had organised the demonstration in protest of the recent fuel price hike and alleged corruption by the Rajapakse administration. Over 7,000 supporters has gathered in Maligawatta and when the protesters started to march toward the Fort, police had tried to block their way using barriers. When the protesters continued to march forward, police started to attack them according to Herath.

After the police used tear gas and water cannons, the crowd held a meeting and then dispersed peacefully, Herath explained. “What we organised yesterday was a peaceful demonstration. By attacking the demonstration the government has proved its brutality and suppression,” He added.

Meanwhile, Police spokesman Ajith Rohana told Daily FT that five police officers were injured during the tense situation between the police and the protesters. “The JVP was originally supposed to conduct the protest in front of the Fort railway station. But there was some other group already protesting in Fort so the JVP changed the venue and started the campaign at Maligawatta. They were planning to march to the Fort railway station. The police warned them that if the two protesting groups meet there will be clash between them.

Therefore, the police instructed them not to come to Fort but to go anywhere else. When they tried to march forward despite police barriers, they tried to pelt stones at police officers. The police fired tear gas to control the protestors. Five police officers were injured and admitted to the National hospital,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, a fisherman was killed and four persons were injured from a shooting incident during a fishermen’s protest in Chilaw yesterday morning. Police fired tear gas to disperse the fishermen protesting against the recent fuel hike. The Criminal Investigations Department is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the death, police said.