Call for Complete Hartal in Northern and Eastern Provinces on Aug 15 Against Military Intoxication

13-Aug-2025

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The Tamil National People's Party (TNPP) strongly condemns the continuous drinking by military personnel in the North and East and its negative impacts.

TNPP General Secretary, President’s Counsel M.A. Sumandiran, urged all sectors to join a complete hartal (shutdown) in the North and East on August 15 to strongly oppose military misconduct.

Traders are requested to close their shops in consideration of the hardships faced by the people.

Speaking at a media briefing on August 10 in Colombo, he also condemned the murder of a youth in Muththayan Kattu and called for police to conduct proper investigations without interference.

He noted that military forces act against the Tamil people, with Semmani area being a prime example.

On August 10, a youth’s body was recovered from the Muththayan Kattu swamp. Four or five people were taken by the military on August 8, with some escaping the camp, while one is missing—the body of the missing person was later found in the swamp.

Those who escaped reported brutal military assault inside the camp. The youth was beaten to death and thrown into the swamp.

He demanded immediate investigations and arrests of responsible parties.

Recently, some military personnel have been arrested by Mullaitivu police; three remain in remand.

Police must conduct impartial and thorough investigations.

He reiterated the continuing military oppression and violence against civilians in the North and East.

Over 147 human skeletons have been recovered recently in Sithupathi Semmani area, many killed years ago by the military.

The TNPP condemns ongoing military misconduct and calls for the full hartal on August 15 in the North and East, urging political parties, civil society groups, and traders to unite and participate fully.