SLA steps up Jaffna security

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 27 January 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A car with election monitors from the NGO backed PAFFREL was checked by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) for bombs at Bangalavedi Junction in Velanai while more rigorous security measures came into force at checkpoints in other parts of Jaffna town, said sources in the peninsula.

The group of election monitors on being stopped had revealed their identity and the purpose for which they were visiting the island.

However, the SLA personnel had insisted that the boot of the car be open for inspection because they had received information that the vehicle was carrying a bomb.

Meanwhile today, new security measures came into force in Jaffna as all roads into the town barring one were closed for traffic.

At the checkpoint near Windsor Theatre, the SLA is checking all vehicles going into the high security zone.

All occupants going beyond this point have to sign their names on a register and are issued a pass by the SLA.