IUSF pledges action against cops
By Aisha Nazim-May 20, 2014
The Inter University Students' Federation (IUSF) yesterday pledged to take action against the police and prison officials who were instrumental in detaining and assaulting Allied Health Science (AHS) undergraduates during clashes last Friday (16).
Convener of the student movement, Najith Indika, yesterday claimed that though many students sustained injuries in the encounter, two of the students were not given medical treatment despite severe injuries.
"Four students were taken to hospital, but two others – including the activist, who had an injury directly below his eye – was not taken to hospital but directly to prison. We will take strict action against these assaults, and take it to the highest of officials," Indika told Ceylon Today.
According to Indika, even the Colombo Fort Magistrate had demanded to know how the students had been inflicted with such injuries by the police. The Magistrate had also warned the police against committing such acts of violence against students again. He added that the unionists would take this matter to the international arena as well as to the Human Rights Commission, and make the world aware of how undergraduates are treated when they fight for their rights.
Many unions and political parties have spoken up against the brutal assault of the undergraduates, and have pledged their support.
Allying with trade unions, the IUSF will launch a protest campaign on 28 May, he added.
Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana claimed that the police 'had to use force in self-defence.'
Pic by Sanka Vidanagama
Nadeesha Srinath Jayathunga (Peradeniya University)
By Aisha Nazim-May 20, 2014
The Inter University Students' Federation (IUSF) yesterday pledged to take action against the police and prison officials who were instrumental in detaining and assaulting Allied Health Science (AHS) undergraduates during clashes last Friday (16).
Convener of the student movement, Najith Indika, yesterday claimed that though many students sustained injuries in the encounter, two of the students were not given medical treatment despite severe injuries.
"Four students were taken to hospital, but two others – including the activist, who had an injury directly below his eye – was not taken to hospital but directly to prison. We will take strict action against these assaults, and take it to the highest of officials," Indika told Ceylon Today.
According to Indika, even the Colombo Fort Magistrate had demanded to know how the students had been inflicted with such injuries by the police. The Magistrate had also warned the police against committing such acts of violence against students again. He added that the unionists would take this matter to the international arena as well as to the Human Rights Commission, and make the world aware of how undergraduates are treated when they fight for their rights.
Many unions and political parties have spoken up against the brutal assault of the undergraduates, and have pledged their support.
Allying with trade unions, the IUSF will launch a protest campaign on 28 May, he added.
Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana claimed that the police 'had to use force in self-defence.'
Pic by Sanka Vidanagama
Nadeesha Srinath Jayathunga (Peradeniya University)
