Injured were admitted to Batticaloa Hospital

Clashes were erupted in majority Muslim area following the killing of two members of Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) Pillayan group.

TMVP told the BBC Tamil service, their party members K. Sasitharan also known as Shanthan (39) was on his way from Batticaloa to Aaraiyampathi via Kaaththaankudi in a motorbike with his associate Tharshan Parasuraman, when both of them were gunned down.

Speaking to Sandeshaya, Chairman of the Kanthankudy Urban Council U.L.M. Mubin said that people in the area are in fear of retaliation.

Those forces which wanted to create a rift between Tamils and Muslims in the east are the ones who are behind the killings Cheif Minister Pillayan

“Police has imposed curfew and there are many police and special task force members patrolling the area”.

“We do not know who has killed these people but we have requested police protection for Muslim villages around this area as a precaution” he added.

Three Muslims killed

According to the Chairman of the Urban Council, three innocent Muslims were killed in clashes.

Speaking to BBC Tamil Service newly appointed chief minister of Eastern Province, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan also known as Pillayan said “Definitely my party cadres are not behind these killings.”

"Those forces which wanted to create a rift between Tamils and Muslims in the east are the ones who are behind the killings.”

“As Chief Minister of this province, I can assure everyone that anybody who is responsible for these violence and killings, even if any of these armed group cadres are behind them, police will perform their duty in bringing them under the purview of the law.”

Following the incident shops and business were closed in Batticaloa.