A curfew was imposed in the area on Tuesday following the tensed situation prevailed after two Muslim youth were abducted on Saturday.

Muslims have been protesting in the east and a Harthal was observed in Kathankudy and Eravur.

Police Spokesman, Senior Superintendant of Police Ranjith Gunasekera said that police have arrested eight people who had joined the protest but they were not able to arrest the abductors who are allegedly the supporters of the Chief Minister of the East

Rev. A.Thevathasan of St.Joseph Church said that two hundred and fifty families have taken shelter in the Church. Sixty families have been housed in another church while sixty more accommodated in a school, he said.

Fr.Thevasan said although these people had not been affected they have the fear because of past experiences.

"We are preparing food for thousand people for Tuesday", Fr.Thevasan said.

Fr.Thevasan said that he learnt an officer attached to an aid agency was attacked and his motorbike set on fire.