13 Tamil civilians arrested in Chilaapam, Dehiwala

[TamilNet, Monday, 09 February 2009, 22:03 GMT]
Sri Lankan forces have arrested 8 Tamil civilians in two separate cordon and search operations conducted Friday night in Chilaapam (Chilaw) in the northwestern province and in Dehiwala in the western province. The Sri Lankan Police said the arrested persons had failed to prove their identity and justify their presence in the location. Five Tamil youths were taken into custody in Ira'navillu in Chilaapam district. The five youths are residents of Eastern province and Up-country and are being detained in the Chilaapam police station for further inquiry.

Three owners of the houses where these youths stayed were also arrested for giving accommodation without informing to the police, police sources said.

Meanwhile five Tamil youths were taken into custody in another cordon and search operation conducted in Dehiwala town. The operation included several lodges and houses where the police suspected strangers staying without informing the police. They are detained in Dehiwala police station.