May 17, Batticaloa: A Muslim extremist organization this morning organized a hartal campaign in Kattankudi town against the Sri Lankan government for not appointing M.L.A.M Hizbullah as the chief minister of the Eastern Provincial Council.

Many shops and institutions were closed today in the hometown of Mr. Hizbullah, who had contested under the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) list in the recently concluded provincial council election.

Security has been beefed up in the city as there was speculation that the extremist group plans to attack the Sri Lanka Transport Board depot that provides public transportation services to the area.

After appointing the new chief minister yesterday, Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa made a special request to political leaders not to ignite racial violence for petty political gains.