Key check post dismantled

[TamilNet, Monday, 21 September 1998, 21:25 GMT]
The military trained Police in Batticaloa removed a key check cum camp at the northern entrance of the eastern town today. The SLA and specially trained and equipped Police have maintained a strong position at Pillaiyaradi since Sri Lankan government forces moved into the Batticaloa town in late 1990 after fighting broke out between the army and the Liberation Tigers.

All vehicles leaving Batticaloa had to be checked and registered here. Informed sources speculated that the move may be connected to intelligence reports of a Tiger build up in the district.

Meanwhile, the Liberation Tigers put up posters commemorating Thileepan, an LTTE leader who fasted unto death in 1987, in many parts of northern Batticaloa which are under the SLA's control.