Large SLA troop movements towards Nagarkovil FDL

[TamilNet, Monday, 08 May 2006, 12:24 GMT]
Hundreds of Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troops are moving towards Forward Defense Lines (FDLs) in Nagarkovil in Vadamaradchy east, and surrounding villages of Manatkaadu and Kudathanai, in vehicle convoys from Palaly Military base continuously from 12.00 midnight till 12 noon Monday, at nearly 15 minute interval, sources from Jaffna said.

Convoys reach the Jaffna-Point Pedro road through Atchuvely junction, and are proceeding towards Nagarkovil using two different routes, sources said.

Convoys proceed to Manthikai via Nelliady first and then are using the Maruthankerni road through Vallipuram temple to reach Nagarkovil.

As a second route, the convoys fork from the Jaffna-Point Pedro road at the Vallai junction, towards Mandaan, Aayam Santhi and Mulli, to reach Vallipuram junction, and then use the Maruthankerni road towards Nagarkovil. This route has no residential areas, consists mainly of fields and there is little pedestrian traffic. There is reduced threat of claymore mines along the Mandaan road, sources said.

Jaffna residents speculate that the curfew was mainly imposed for the movement of troops.

Meanwhile, SLA sources said the A9 was to be opened. Independent verification of resumed traffic along A9 is not yet available.