Muslims protested in Ulla asking for the removal of STF officer

4 civilians were admitted to Kalmunai hospital with gunshot wounds after Special Task Force (STF) fired at protesters.

Reporters said 10 other Muslims with minor injuries were admitted to Potuvil hospital after clashes in Ulla village, near Arugambay.

Police have imposed curfew in the area until 6am Thursday.

STF official

The Muslims were protesting against the hacking of 11 civilians to death on Monday in Pottuvil.

The protesters, who have attacked a group of STF soldiers according to the police, demanded a removal of local STF officer.

	The sole survivor has accused the LTTE of the attack

Police said the wounded STF soldiers were airlifted to Colombo.

The protesters have dispersed after Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandra Fernando, who visited Potuvil, promised to transfer the official.

The IGP has pledged to transfer the commander of the Sastawela STF camp to the capital, Colombo.

Meanwhile, the sole survivor of Monday’s attack has told the police that the attackers were Tamil Tigers.

Meera Mohideen, who is in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Ampara hospital, has told police that the attackers who wore dark black spoke fluent Tamil.

Eyewitness account

The statement was recorded by Senior Superintendant of Police (SSP) Jayantha Wickramasinghe in the presence of a doctor.

Medical Superintendent (MS) of Ampara hospital, Dr. Lankathilake Jayasinghe, told bbcsinhala.com that the security has been tightened for the patient.

“The patient is recovering in the ICU,” he said.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem told BBC Sinhala on Monday that the local Muslims were concerned of the attitude of a particular STF official in the area.

The IGP and the senior officials were informed of the official, he said.

The government has accused the Tamil Tigers. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the attack bore all the hallmarks of the LTTE.

The Tamil Tigers have denied any involvement.