Five policemen injured in clash

30 December 2011 11:35 am

Five policemen were injured when a clash took place between villagers and police during a music concert which was held on Thursday night at the Hakmana Urban Council grounds.

The clash arose when the OIC of the Hakmana police ordered the organizer to stop the concert as he had received a court order.

The concert was organized to raise funds of cancer patients, the police said. The injured were admitted to the Matara General Hospital by the residents of the area and according to hospital authorities they are in a stable condition.

The angry crowds had first pelted stones at the music group who were performing at the concert.

When the police attempted to control the angry crowds they assaulted the policemen who were attached to the Hakmana police.

Police said that the angry crowds, who were mainly youths of the area, had pelted stones at buildings, a fuel shed and a bus while heading home. Eleven suspects were taken into custody by the Hakmana police following the incident.

They are residents of Deyyandara, Beliatta, Valasmulla, Yatiyana, Gangodagama, Denagama and Hakmana. (Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)