Jaffna at standstill on SL Independence Day

[TamilNet, Sunday, 04 February 2007, 08:18 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army troopers fired mortar and artillery shells from Muhamalai Forward Defence Line (FDL) Sunday from 7:30 a.m. towards Iyakkachchi, Palai, Pooneryn and Vadamaradchi East villages in Liberation Tigers controlled areas as Jaffna stood at standstill and the people remained indoors. Roads were empty and silence prevailed in Jaffna. Even the cellular phones didn't ring in the peninsula as the mobile phone link to Jaffna was cut by the military at Palaly. SLA troopers were busy in the morning removing black flags from the environs of the University of Jaffna.

Posters calling the Jaffna residents to express their protest against the "Sri Lankan military occupation of Jaffna," were removed by the Sri Lankan soldiers.

Although the SLA soldiers hoisted the Sri Lankan Lion flag at their camps and positions, there were no remarkable celebrations by the military in Jaffna this year compared to recent years.

SLA troopers were heavily deployed along the coastal line of Vadamaradchi region, anticipating Sea Tiger attacks.

Except a grenade explosion in Thenmaradchi, there were no attacks reported in Jaffna Sunday.

Meanwhile, three prisoners were released in Jaffna.

Sri Lankan President had ordered the release of one thousand prisoners held in Sri Lankan jails for minor crimes on the occasion of SL Independence Day.

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