TNA MP denies accusations

MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, contacted for comment, said there was absolutely no basis for the accusations directed at him and the Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman. The lawmaker said he did not represent the executive or at least the District Development Council. The chief incumbent of Mangalaramaya, Batticaloa had misinterpreted recent developments in a manner that triggered ethnic tensions in the East, the MP said.

Organised land grabbing was taking place in many parts of the country and Batticaloa was no exception, the MP said, alleging that the monk and some of the Viyathmaga activists had targeted him as he opposed encroachment of state land.