Numerous arrests

[TamilNet, Friday, 25 February 2000, 19:51 GMT]
At least 30 fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy while they were fishing in the seas of Mannar around 5 p.m. this evening. They were handed over to the Pesaalai police, said sources.

Also in the Mannar two youths were arrested by Sri Lanka Army soldiers during a cordon and search operation in Shanthipuram Housing Scheme this morning, said sources.

Their identities were not known. The search which began around 5 a.m. went on till 10 a.m. the sources said.

SLA soldiers also searched another housing scheme at Periyakaamam today. However no arrests were made here.

In another incident a man was arrested by government troops during a search operation in Thattumunai, a village in the Vaakarai region, about 65 km. north of Batticaloa, this morning.

Villagers were herded to a public place and questioned, sources said.