Jaffna district representative of the government appointed National Human Rights Commission (HRC) said the sudden decision by security authorities was a shock to the residents in the area.

Rohitha Priyadharshana told BBC Sandeshaya that only a few media outlets announced the sudden decision to impose curfew in Jaffna.

“Offices were closed, no transport services and people should have faced difficulties in finding essential food,” he said.

Authorities closed main entry points and major roads including A9 during the overnight curfew that lasted until Monday evening.

Priyadharshana told bbcsinhala.com that he himself was not made aware of the sudden decision by the Defence ministry.

Tamil parliamentarians and residents in Thenmarachchi accused Sri Lanka military of abducting eight youths who were attending a religious festival on Saturday night.

Residents have heard gunshots and blood traces were found near the temple where the festival happened, MP Nadaraja Raviraj told BBC Sandeshaya.

But military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe has categorically denied accusations that military was involved in the abduction.