|
Visit our special sections for latest developments and analysis:
|
|
 |
Sri Lanka Muslims protest rebel abductions
Thousands of enraged Muslims have protested in eastern Sri Lanka against a wave of abductions blamed on Tamil Tiger guerrillas.
The abductions, mostly for ransom, have cast a shadow over a Norwegian-brokered peace process that has brought the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam close to their first peace talks in seven years.
Residents burnt tyres and shut down shops in the town of Muttur in protest after four Muslims were kidnapped on Wednesday.
Police say the four were found several hours later, severely beaten.
Residents accuse the rebels of at least 16 other abductions, all members of the Muslim minority in the east.
The guerrillas have been fighting since 1983 for a separate Tamil state in the north and east.
The conflict has killed an estimated 64-thousand people.
15/02/2002 05:40:25 | ABC Radio Australia News
Back
|
|
|
|
Related Stories
|
|
12/02/2002 05:33:11
Sri Lanka lifts restrictions on travel
08/02/2002 05:03:29
Norwegian peace brokers begin work in Sri Lanka
08/02/2002 05:03:11
Tamil Tigers and Sri Lankan gov't to begin talks on troops
07/02/2002 06:04:41
Sri Lankan gov't & Tamil Tigers reportedly ready to clinch truce
|
|
Related Sites
|
|
World News
from Radio Australia
News across Asia, the Pacific and beyond.
|
