SLA conducts cordon and search operation in Mannar

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 16 August 2005, 16:36 GMT]
Hundreds of soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Tuesday morning conducted a cordon and search operation in Mannar town and suburbs covering Uppukulam, Sinnakadai and hospital area. This was the first major search operation conducted by the SLA in Mannar since the signing of the ceasefire agreement, civilian sources said.

The operation which began early morning around 5.30 a.m. concluded at about 10 a.m.

Soldiers stopped all vehicles and searched them, sources said.

SLA soldiers in groups entered houses and questioned residents regarding their movements.

Soldiers had informed occupants that SLA is conducting search operation under the State of Emergency declared Saturday after the killing of Mr.Lakshman Kadirgamar, sources said.

No one was arrested during the operation, sources said.