Large scale search in Colombo, several taken into custody

[TamilNet, Saturday, 27 December 2008, 12:14 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA), Sri Lanka Police and Special Task Force (STF) Thursday and Friday conducted cordon and search operations covering Muhathuwaaram, Kotahena, Wellawatte, Rajagiriya, Dehiwala, Kohuwela and Nugegoda in the western province. Several civilians, majority of them Tamil upcountry residents, were taken into custody. Police headquarters did not reveal till Friday evening the number of civilians under custody, civil sources said.

Police said cordon and search operations were conducted on receipt of information that LTTE was planning to cause harm to civilians in Colombo during festive season.

During the operations thousands of houses, working places and vehicles were searched to ensure that no strangers were provided accommodation and employment.

Some civilians were taken into custody for further inquiry, police sources said