Trinco IDPs arrested in Batticaloa, released after detention

[TamilNet, Monday, 30 June 2008, 16:11 GMT]
Eleven civilians arrested during a cordon and search operation conducted by STF commandos Saturday afternoon in Kalviyangkaadu IDP camp located within the administrative area of Ma'nmunai North District Secretariat in Batticaloa, were released Sunday afternoon. The arrests were made while a sports competition for the children in the camp was being conducted by the Non Governmental Organization (NGO) Save the Children (STS) under the “Improvement of Education of Refugee Children” scheme was in progress.

The arrested including eight women and three men were detained at Batticaloa police station for 24 hours before being released.

Young women in the IDP camp for the displaced civilians from Trincomalee are being trained by STS to improve the education of the children.

94 families displaced from Trincomalee in 2006 are being kept at various interim camps in Batticaloa district including the refugee camp located in Narasingka Koayil Road, Kalviyangkaadu. The names of those residing in the camp are registered by the village officer (GN/GS officer), handed over to the Diistrict Secretariat and relief supplies are provided to them based on this information.

However, the arrests were made on charges that there were no records of their registration and were released Sunday after rigorous investigations.

The civilians in the camp have appealed the NGOs in the district to ensure their safety and security, sources said.

Kalviyangkaadu is located 3 km north of Batticaloa