Jaffna turned violent on Wednesday as a protest near the Jaffna Courts turned into a clash and police had to use tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Protests started going out of control when police failed to produce the remaining suspects of the gang-rape and murder of a schoolgirl from Pungudutivu in Kayts, Jaffna. Protesters started throwing stones at the Jaffna Courts and police used tear gas to control the situation. Police arrested 127 protesters.

Three policemen were injured in the clash. Several vehicles and buildings were also damaged.

Jaffna was effectively under a harthal campaign yesterday. Shops were closed and tires were burned in several places in the city, blocking some roads.

Meanwhile, Jathika Hela Urumaya said that there were groups who were taking advantage of the people’s protest over the rape and murder of the schoolgirl for their own means. Such instances should be investigated and prevented, JHU said.