MPCS outlets' opening blocked
[TamilNet, Thursday, 10 December 1998, 18:07 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Army (SLA) has stopped the re-opening of ten outlets of the Maruthankerni Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Society (MPCS) in various parts of Vadamaradchi east despite many pleas by several civilian interest groups for more than a month.
There were 20 outlets of the Maruthankerni MPCS serving the civilians in many areas of Vadamaradchi east before 1996. The army has currently sanctioned only ten outlets of the MPCS which come under its purview to conduct business with the public. Two branches in Naagar Kovil have been permitted open under the supervision of the Kilaly SLA brigade, one in Manthikai and one in Vallipuram under the purview of the Pt. Pedro brigade and four at Vaththirayan and Thalaiyadi which are under the SLA brigade at the Elephant Pass base complex. The outlet that was open in Manalkaadu was shut down under SLA orders sources said. The army thinks that the Liberation Tigers operating in the area could avail themselves of the supplies sent to the outlets of the Maruthankerni MPCS. But residents say that this is a specious and unjustifiable excuse for depriving them of essential goods.
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