1000 arrests in Colombo

[TamilNet, Friday, 07 January 2000, 00:23 GMT]
Over one thousand Tamils were arrested during a massive search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Airforce and Police in Colombo and its suburbs after the enforcing of a curfew from midnight. The curfew was relaxed at 12.30 p.m., one-and-a-half hours earlier than announced.

Sri Lankan police detain a young Tamil girl in the capital Colombo, 7 January 2000.Photo:Reuters

Police sources said the arrested are being systemically screened at various police stations in the capital.

They are being video taped, photos taken, and masked spotters are being used to identify suspected members of the Liberation Tigers the police sources said.

The operations of the combined security forces were conducted mainly in areas where Tamils live in large numbers. Some Sinhala and Muslim youths have also been taken in for screening, according to the police.

The troops conducted a house to house search operation in Maradane, Borella, Pettah, Kotehena, Babmbalapitiya, Wellawatte and Dehiwala the sources said.

A large number of troops and policemen have been brought into Colombo from other districts for the operation, police sources said.

All railway services from Colombo have been cancelled till 2 p.m. and passengers who arrived the capital by night trains have not been allowed to leave the station sources said.

Relatives of the arrested waiting outside Maradane police station in Colombo.Photo:TamilNet

Detained Tamil youths waiting outside the inquiry room at Moratuwa Police Station, south of Colombo. Photo:TamilNet