Fishermen arrested in Mannar

[TamilNet, Friday, 09 February 2001, 15:17 GMT]
At least twenty-five Tamil youths are reported to have been arrested by Sri Lanka Navy personnel in the north-western Mannar district between 1 and 5 February. Their relatives have complained to the International Committee of the Red Cross that naval authorities have failed inform them where they are being held.

All the detainees were fishermen from Vidathalthivu and Iluppaikkadavai areas.

Meanwhile naval personnel had also conducted search operations in Tharapuram, Pesalai and Eluththur during the past few days said sources.

The relatives claimed the arrests were made by members of the intelligence unit of the Sri Lanka Navy who arrived in Mannar a few weeks ago.