SLA detains 5 after cordon, search operation in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 13 June 2006, 12:33 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers cordoned off and searched Kiran, Korakalmadu and Santhiveli, villages surrounding the Santhiveli-Kirimuddi Pannai SLA camp, 22 km northwest of Batticaloa Town, on Tuesday from 6 a.m to 11.30 a.m, sources said. The army arrested 9 people and after investigation released 4 persons detaining 5 for further inquires.

The SLA soldiers conducted house-to-house search, and searched surrounding scrub jungle. Road blocks were setup and all vehicles and pedestrians were thoroughly searched.

The residents of the area all stayed indoors until around 12 p.m and could only go to work afternoon.

SLA sources said the search was carried out after receiving information about the presence of armed youth in the area.