An attempt by the police to disrupt a protest in Kankesanthurai in the north against alleged land grabbing, by preventing supplies to Tamil protestors, has been thwarted.
A three day agitation began on May 03 against a temple newly-constructed by the Army in Walikamam North.
Protestors charged private land had been acquired without the permission of the area’s land officer to construct Tissa Vihara.
Five protestors arrested by the police have been released on bail.
Mallakam magistrate Gayatri Selavan visited the place said people had a right to protest.
The Army said the pinnacle of the Stupa at the temple was placed on April 27.
It added that the temple dates back to third century BC and was built by King Devanampiyatissa.
However, protestors say 6.2 acres of land belonging to 14 Tamil families had been acquired by force to build the temple.
On the first day of the protest, police and the protestors were involved in a heated exchange of words, after which the police barricaded the area and prevented water, food and medicines from reaching them. On the following day, the Human Rights Commission intervened and the supplies resumed.
Tamil MPs Mavai Senadhiraja, Sivagnanam Sridharan, Dharmalingam Siddarthan, M.A. Sumanthiran and Angajan Ramanathan visited the protestors and extended their support.
Sumanthiran said the Thelippalai regional development committee decided in 2021 not to permit the temple’s construction and the divisional secretary too, has not given the permission.