Attempt to spread racial hatred using Jaffna clash condemned

An attempt being made to spread racial hatred using the clash at the Jaffna university yesterday has been condemned.

The Inter University Student’s Federation (IUSF), while condemning the incident, raised concerns over attempts by some groups to make use of the incident to incite?racial hatred.

The clash occurred when a welcome ceremony was held for new entrants to the Jaffna university yesterday.

The clash involved a group of Sinhalese and Tamil students of the Science Faculty of the Jaffna University.

Some Tamil students had opposed the Kandyan dance being staged to welcome the students and this led to the clash.

IUSF said that if clashes take place based on a race or religion it will prevent more important social issues from being addressed.

The IUSF urged university students to join hands against racial disharmony and prevent politicians from?gaining?the upper hand from such incidents.

Meanwhile, the?Tamil National Alliance expressed it?s deep shock over Saturday?s clashes that took place at the University of Jaffna.

?We regret that several students have sustained injuries and that the Sinhala students had to be evacuated from the University and Jaffna as a precautionary measure,? the TNA said in a statement.

The TNA appealed to all students not to permit any recurrence of such incidents or anything that will hinder genuine reconciliation amongst communities in our country.

?Whilst inviting the students who have been evacuated to return to Jaffna, we urge the other students who remain to welcome them and assure them of their safety as they resume their studies We call upon the students and the authorities to work together in creating the right conditions for students from different backgrounds to live and study together in the University of Jaffna in the future,? the TNA said in a statement.?(Colombo Gazette)