Member of SLA Intelligence wing shot dead in Point Pedro

[TamilNet, Saturday, 08 September 2007, 18:44 GMT]
A member of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) intelligence wing was shot dead by armed men believed to be from the Liberation Tigers pistol group in Thaddaatheru area in Point Pedro at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, sources from Point Pedro said. The victim was travelling on the main road in Thaddaatheru when he was shot. The body has been taken to Palaly military camp, according to sources.

SLA soldiers conducted a cordon and search operation in areas surrounding Thaddaatheru until late hours Saturday night, and detained several civilians. Details of those arrested have not been made public. Residents say that none of those arrested have yet been released.

Meanwhile, SLA soldiers conducted a large-scale cordon and search operation in areas encompassing Viyaapa'rimoolai, Thambacheddi, Puloli, and Pudda'lai Friday starting early morning. The operation covered coastal and central Point Pedron areas, and residents were ordered to assemble at closeby temples including Uthayakathirgaamam temple in Puloli and Thambachetti.

The residents were released after long hours of interrogation, and sources say the SLA soldiers confiscated National ID cards of two civilians. Information is not available if the IDs were returned to the owners.

SLA has threatened residents in Vadamaraadchy from disclosing information on SLA including ID confiscations, and disappearnces to the Human Rights groups or to the media.