 The insurgents were able to capture and hold several towns and rural areas for several weeks until they were recaptured by the armed forces.An estimated 8,000–10,000 people, mostly young rebels died during this insurrection.The 1987–89 JVP insurrection (also known as the 1989 Revolt) was the second unsuccessful armed revolt conducted by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna against the Government of Sri Lanka under President J. R. Jayewardene.