SLA bars upcountry Tamils from viewing Tamilnadu TV programmes

[TamilNet, Monday, 25 May 2009, 14:12 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and Sri Lanka Police have ordered Tamil residents in Hatton police division to dismantle dish antennas from their residences as a part of security measure, effectively barring them from viewing TV channels aired by several TV stations operated in Tamilnadu in India, sources in Hatton said.

Tamilnadu TV channels provide news and items on the Tamil struggle in Sri Lanka.

SLA troops and police personnel deployed in Saamimalai, Dickoya, Norwood, Boganthaalawa, Puliyawatte and Kavarawila in Hatton police division have warned the residents to dismantle all dish antennas immediately, and if they fail to comply the SLA will forcibly remove such antennas.

Tamil residents have brought this matter to the notice of the political leaderships of their trade unions for further action, but many have started to remove the antennas fearing reprisals, media sources said.