A hartal (general strike) was staged in Kaluvanchikudy the following day. Batticaloa MP G Krishnapillai has demanded an enquiry. The STF has been responsible for grave violations of human rights in the eastern region, before the February 2002 ceasefire and no charges have been brought for the massacres carried out by the STF. People say that the STF continues to act with impunity. According to reports, the firing of weapons from the Thampitty STF camp on Chenkalady-Badulla road, is affecting resettlement of IDPs. Catholic Bishop Kingsley Swampillai has brought the issue to the notice of the SLMM.
The security forces have issued an order preventing repairs to Parameswara school in Valaiyiravu, a mile south-west of Batticaloa town. The repairs, assisted by NORAD, were to be carried out at a cost of Rs 1.2 million. The Airforce had granted permission earlier, but now says that security implications will have to be examined. The school is in a high security zone. The Puthur school, which has been granted assistance by the World Bank, is facing similar problems.
