Mutter, Apr 18: Sri Lankan troops fired in the air here today to separate rioting Muslim and Tamil mobs following inter-communal clashes overnight that killed three people and injured six. Witnesses said the Army also exploded smoke bombs to separate the angry groups in the Muslim-dominated town, some 230 kilometres east of the Sri Lankan capital Colombo. The government sent defence minister Tilak Marapone to the area for emergency meetings with local officials after police overnight placed a curfew on the town. The curfew was eased in view of the good Friday Christian holiday and to allow Muslims to attend Friday prayers at the mosque, although many people laid low.


Troubles in the town started three days ago when a Muslim woman committed suicide by drinking poison to the protest abduction of her son by suspected Tamil Tiger rebels late last month.

Army and police units rushed to the area to further tighten security while some residents moved to schools and other public buildings fearing attacks during the night, officials said.


Muslims, who are a national minority but dominate Muttur, had closed shops to protest the abduction of Muslim youngsters by the rebels.


The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels have denied the abductions.

Muslims have accused the LTTE of extortion and abduction since it and the government entered a Norwegian-backed ceasefire in February last year.
Bureau Report