Tamil youth arrested in Deraniyagala

[TamilNet, Friday, 25 January 2008, 11:39 GMT]
A Tamil youth, resident of Killinochchi was taken into custody on Wednesday midnight by the police at Noori Estate in Deraniyagala in upcountry, in a cordon and search operation. Police said he was arrested as he failed to provide reasons for his stay in the location. Meanwhile, the Police have warned all Tamil plantation workers in Ratnapura district not to give accommodation to strangers in their houses.

The owner of the house where the suspect was staying also was taken to the police station for inquiry, according to local residents.

Meanwhile, Police in Ratnapura district have formed vigilant committees in every estate in the district to monitor the movement of strangers in the area, sources said.

Tamil plantation workers in Moneragala and Buttala are avoiding movement after dusk in their estates due to tightened security measures imposed by the security forces to curb the presence of armed persons moving in estates in nights, sources added.