Civilians assaulted by police, soldiers

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 21 January 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A tractor driver at Kalwanchikudi town, about 20 km south of Batticaloa was severely assaulted by the Sri Lankan Police this morning for leaving his tractor unattended, scaring them that a bomb was concealed in it, said sources in Kalawanchikudi.

The driver had parked the tractor opposite the Peoples' Bank building and gone to the shop nearby.

The police arrived on the scene and after asking for the owner and finding no claimants dispersed the bystanders saying that a bomb could be concealed within.

The driver had come out of the shop and informed the police that the tractor was his.

The police had promptly beaten him, forcing the driver to take treatment for bruises and aches at the Kalawanchikudi hospital.

Soldiers from the 3 Brigade of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) assaulted the watcher of the Palmyrah Board's Regional Office for Batticaloa - Amparai last night, said sources in Batticaloa.

The soldiers, who are camped in front of the Regional Office since last week, demanded that they be allowed to share its toilets, telephone and the well.

But the office authorities didn't accede to the demands and had told the soldiers that government property should not abused.

The military in turn had said that they too are engaged in the business of the State and as such had the right to avail themselves of the office facilities.

Last night the soldiers were blocked by the watcher while attempting to force their way into the office. He was severely assaulted by the SLA personnel.