SLA blocks key roads, reinforces security in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Thursday, 05 July 2007, 22:22 GMT]
Anticipating attacks by the Liberation Tigers during "Black July" Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has increased cordon and search operations in Jaffna peninsula and has begun closing several key roads in Jaffna town for public use causing difficulties to people, sources in Jaffna said. The few main access roads to Human Rights Commission (HRC) Jaffna office located at 4th Cross Street have been closed for public use following the shooting incident in front of Jaffna Courts also located in the 4h Cross street Tuesday, the sources added.

The Hospital Road-4th Cross Street access to HRC office had already been closed by SLA for public use, leaving only a small access pah from 3rd Cross Street.

Stanley Road in Jaffna town has again been closed for public use.

Clock Tower road and Jaffna Vairavar Veethi in Jaffna town had been closed earlier.

Meanwhile, cordon and search operations involving heavy presence of police personnel and SLA troopers are conducted daily in different areas of the Peninsula.

Pa'ndaiththarippu, I'lavaalai, Maathakal areas and places adjoining them were subjected to cordon and search operation Wednesday while Kalviangkaadu, Muththiraichchanthai and Nalloor areas came under similar search Tuesday.

Villages in Vadamaraadchi and Thenmaraadchi areas are also being subjected to searches.