SLA tightens border controls

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 February 1999, 00:32 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in Mannar has tightened security along its forward defence lines in the area, so as to prevent the illegal movement of items which are banned from being taken into 'uncleared' areas (territory not held by the SLA).

Activities of the illegal traders were on the increase last year, said police sources.

Between August and November, 1998, twenty four people had been killed in night time ambushes by SLA units deployed along the Forward Defence Lines in the area.

Sri Lankan security forces said those killed were members or supporters of the Liberation Tigers.

However, police inquiries and inquests held into these deaths reveal that they were traders.

They had been shot at while smuggling items which are banned by the security forces from being taken into the uncleared areas, and items which are only allowed through the SLA check points in limited quantities.

Hospital sources in Mannar said that two civilians who were injured recently have been admitted in wards.

According to the Police these two were shot at in two separate incidents which took place at Kattuppallivaasal and Uylankulam areas.