Complaints against police over Kurunthurmalai incident

Complaints have been lodged against the police over a use of force against Hindus involved in religious activities at Kurunthurmalai archaeology site in Mullaitivu.

Thurairasa Raviharan, a politician, and three people’s activists complained to Mullaitivu police on July 14 over the incident earlier in the day.

The Vavuniya office of the Human Rights Commission too, has been notified.

The Mullaitivu magistrate permitted a Pooja at the site, notwithstanding a police request for a ban based on a complaint by a Buddhist monk residing there.

Monks and Buddhists who had gathered objected to the Hindu religious activity.

With tensions flaring, police ordered both sides to vacate, but neither relented.

Using force, police tried to drag the Hindus and Tamil political activists present there.

Despite the attempts, the religious function went ahead and the Hindus dispersed around half an hour later.

The incident comes in the wake of an assurance by president Ranil Wickremesinghe to resolve the controversy surrounding the site claimed by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Religious affairs minister Vidura Wickramanayake said they were awaiting a court ruling in that regard.