SLA bans transporting batteries, wires in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Sunday, 17 July 2005, 12:00 GMT]
Sri Lakan Army (SLA) soldiers manning the check points between LTTE controlled and SLA held areas in the eastern districts of Batticaloa and Amparai imposed restrictions on transporting batteries, wires and electric devices from SLA held areas towards Vaharai and other LTTE held areas in the East since Saturday. Civilians were subjected to severe questioning and and body searcj by SLA, Special Task Force (STF) soldiers and the Police. Security is tightened in Batticaloa, Amparai districts, Police sources said.

All entry points to LTTE held areas in the east were being closely monitored. Each and every individual traveling through the checkpoints are being interrogated and many types of electircal items are being confiscated, sources said.

Civilians traveling through checkpoints in Mankerny, Chenkalady Black Bridge, Batticaloa Manmunaithurai (Boat service) and Kaluwanchikudy bridge complained of rigourous body search and verbal harassment by the soldiers.

Meanwhile, Amparai District Police SSP Sarath Jeyasunthara Sunday morning visited Akkaraipattu and Thirukkovil and discussed the current security situation in the district with police officers.

The SSP ordered OIC to tighten road patrol, monitoring and checking in the area, Police sources said.