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Special Task Force ramp up patrols in Jaffna claiming increased gang violence

Sri Lanka’s Special Task Force troops have been deployed to patrol areas of Jaffna with police office officials claiming the increased activity is to clamp down on sword attacks and gang violence in the district.

Local and civil society groups have cast suspicion on the annual claims of increased criminal activity in November while Tamils organise around remembrance events.

Over forty arrests were made in the Jaffna district last week, allegedly in connection with sword attacks.

Although a police spokesperson said locals should not be alarmed by the patrols, previous operations such as in Vadamaradchi earlier this year resulted in the indiscriminate arrest of dozens of young Tamil men in the region.

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