Sri Lanka: Tamil student activists to march from Jaffna to Batticaloa Feb. 4-7

Event

Student activists will march from the University of Jaffna in Jaffna to Batticaloa University in Batticaloa Feb. 4-7. The action is aimed at highlighting various issues concerning the Tamil minority. The exact marching route is unclear. Dozens to a few hundred people are likely to participate. The event has reportedly begun as of late morning Jan. 4. No security incidents have been reported.

Officials could deploy security personnel to monitor the action. Localized short-term ground travel disruptions are likely along impacted roadways. Clashes between protesters are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice

Avoid the rally as a precaution. Plan for some road travel delays near impact roads. Heed the instructions of local officials.