SLA extorts money from Batticaloa milk producers

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 June 2011, 11:14 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army intelligence unit personnel camped in Tharavai in Batticaloa district are demanding money from Tamil civilians under threat, sources in Batticaloa said. Intelligent unit personnel are alleged to be using an individual known as ‘Maniam’ for ‘collecting’ money from owners of dairy farms, persons employed for milk collection and farmers through intimidation. SLA intelligence personnel also visit houses where Tamils returned from abroad reside in Kiraan, Chiththaa'ndi and Vanthaa'rumoolai, demanding money from them under threat. Victims fear to lodge complaints with the police due to retaliation by the army soldiers.

Maniam alias Subramanian is currently a member of the SLA intelligence unit.

Earlier he is said to have worked with the LTTE and engaged in fundraising for the movement. Now, Mr. Maniam visits houses of persons who had earlier contributed to the LTTE, according to sources in Batticaloa.

A portion of the money collected by Maniam is being channelled to the key official in command of the SLA camp, according to reports emerging from the area.