A hartal against the gang-rape and murder of a schoolgirl from Pungudutivu is being held in different places in the north including in Vavniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu.

Nine people have already been arrested in connection to the crime. Protesters demand death sentence for those responsible.

It is reported that several civil organizations and women’s rights movements called this hartal. Civil organizations have also reportedly asked for shops to be closed in Mannar.

Schools and government offices are not officially closed. However, school attendance is very low, reports said.

There were a number of protests taking place in Jaffna on Wednesday (20) demanding justice upon the case.

Yesterday’s situation turned violent as a protest near the Jaffna Courts turned into a clash and police had to use tear gas to disperse the crowds. 127 protesters were arrested by the police.

Meanwhile, CID was assigned to conduct the investigations on the rape and murder of the schoolgirl.