Search operation in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Saturday, 27 May 2000, 17:24 GMT]
At least 25 persons were arrested during a search operation by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers in the Thaandavanveli area in the Batticaloa town around 6 p.m. this evening, residents said. Security sources said the arrested are being interrogated at the Batticaloa police station.

Security sources further said the area was searched following reports that Liberation Tigers had infiltrated the area.

Meanwhile, Sarumathy Krishnapillai (24) from Palukamam in Batticaloa was arrested by the Sri Lankan police, sources at the Human Rights Commission (HRC) said. The young woman was employed at a garment factory and was staying at Wattale, her relatives said in a complaint submitted to the HRC.

In a separate incident Sri Lankan police arrested Kanapathipillai Kangeswaran, 34, of Batticaloa at Manampitty check post. In a complaint filed with the HRC his relatives said that he was on his way to work in a paddy field at Kaduruvela in the neighbouring Polonnaruwa district when he was arrested.

Also in Kalmunai, the STF troops arrested S.M.Nizar, 23, on Friday, HRC sources said.