Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Jaffna who were demonstrating against the gang rape and murder of a schoolgirl in Pungudutivu.

Tear gas was fired at protesters opposite the Jaffna Magistrate Courts. A tense situation prevails in the area at the moment.

There are a number of protests taking place in Jaffna today.

The body of the 17 year old schoolgirl was discovered last week in Pungudutivu. Nine people are already in custody on suspicion over the rape and murder. Widespread protests were held yesterday in Jaffna over the incident, urging maximum penalty against the responsible criminals.