Jaffna court seeks response from Tamils against whom protest ban is sought by police

Police in Jaffna have sought a ban against 5 individuals and organizations whom they say have planned to protest when the President visits Jaffna on the 31st of January.

The petition seeking the ban comes at a time when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has publically stated he is not against protests aimed at the government.

Jaffna Magistrate Court has issued notice to five respondents including an independent MP from Dr. Ramanathan Archuna based on a petition filed in the court on Wednesday (29) from the chief of the Jaffna Police Headquarters stating they have information that the said persons and organization have planned to stage a protest and demonstration during the President’s visit.

The court has sought replies from Dr. Archuna, Sarvananthasivam Sasikaran, President of the Unemployed Graduates’ Association Northern Province, leader of the protest group in Jaffna, and Manager of the Tilco Hotel- Ponraj Prem Douglas Prabakaran, President of the temporary health workers union S.Jesmin and the President of the Voice of the Voiceless organization Murugiah Komagan.

All five respondents have been asked to let the court know their stand by 9:30 AM on Thursday (30) either in person or through their lawyers.

The order seeking the stand of the respondents has been signed by the registrar of the Jaffna Magistrate Court.
The court order says the Jaffna Police chief has requested the issuance of a court order prohibiting the protests after filing a petition under section 106 (1) (2) (3) of the Criminal Code No.15 of 1979.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is visiting Jaffna on the 31st of January to participate in the District Coordination Committee meeting to be held at the District Secretariat.

Before coming to power the President as a leader of the JVP has a long history of participating in protests against the government and has also said he would not interfere in protests against the government.