No arrests were made despite CM admitting TMVP involvement

Speaking to Sandeshaya, police spokesperson SSP Ranjith Gunesekera said that the protest was launched after two street tradesmen were taken into custody.

"Two people were selling Tambili in a restricted area were arrested. The Muslim residents in the area held a protest against the arrest."

Gunasekera further said that the police had tried to disperse the crowds peacefully, however due to the persistence, they had to use force.

Nobody arrested on killings

"The police tried to stop the protest, but they kept going and were burning tyres and throwing rocks at the police. Only after using tear gas did we bring the situation under control and arrest fourteen."

Whether it's the Chief Minister or anyone else that admits to it, an arrest can only be made with the relevant evidence Police spokesman, SSP Gunsekara

In less than three weeks, twelve people including three police officers have been killed in the Eravur, Kathankudy, and Kaluwanchikudi areas in Batticaloa, however the police still haven't arrested anyone in connection with the killings or abductions.

"At present, no one has been charged for the murders and abductions, however a few people have been taken into custody but we can't say they are suspects," said Gunasekera.

Chief minister for the Eastern province, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan speaking to the BBC earleir admitted that members of his organisation were responsible for the kidnappings in Eravur.

However despite the statement, Gunasekera said "Whether it's the Chief Minister or anyone else that admits to it, an arrest can only be made with the relevant evidence. It's the our duty to investigate who's responsible and who's not"

The Kathankudi area has been in turmoil in recent days following the incidents, and resulted in a three day curfew that was lifted on Wednesday.