SLA compels public to guard electricity transformer

[TamilNet, Saturday, 04 October 2008, 14:25 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in Jaffna imposed a system of compulsory work in Achchuveali Friday where two groups of 10 residents each of the area were assigned to guard the electricity transformer along with the SLA soldiers 24 hours, the groups alternating between day and night duty, local residents said. Meanwhile, SLA after searching the Point Pedro Sri Lanka Transport Board premises Thursday, launched cordon and search operations around the Zonal Education Offices in Puloali and Karaveddi areas in Vadamaraadchi Friday morning.

Following the Thursday attack on SLA soldiers near the electricity transformer in Kokkuvil in Jaffna, the said transformer was removed Friday by Jaffna Sri Lanka Electricity Board on SLA's instructions.

Sri Lanka Defence website reported Friday that 3 soldiers were injured in the Thursday night hand grenade attack on the soldiers.

SLA summoned the residents of Achchuveali to the local camp where the two groups to guard the electricity transformer were selected to assist the soldiers.

SLA authorities also told the members of the groups that they will be held responsible for the safety of the transformer, the residents said.

Besides, the members of the groups were directed to provide a substitute in case they were unable to report for duty, and that they have to pay the substitute.

Meanwhile, Koappaay police arrested the owner of the house next to the compound where the transformer stood and have detained him for interrogation.

In Vadamaraadchi, SLA soldiers in large numbers launched sudden cordon and search operations in the Zonal Education Offices in Puloali and Karaveddi Friday early morning.

The soldiers who conducted the search in the two offices also collected the full details of each employee and officials.

No one was arrested during the searches and nothing was recovered from the premises, the employees said.