Residents in Mullaitivu are in a state of fear as Sri Lankan army soldiers collected information about households and businesses in the area this week.
Soldiers, from the 57th Division, were seen visiting houses in Udayarkaddu, Suthanthirapuram, Kaiveli, Redbaana and Maanikkapuram, and collection information about the number of people in each households and their personal details.
Soldiers also visited shops and businesses in the area seeking details of owners and employees.
Mullaitivu district remains deeply militarised despite the passing of over 9 years since the end of the armed conflict.
A report by the Adayaalam Centre for Policy Research (ACPR) and People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL) published at the end of last year found that there is at least one Sri Lankan soldier for every two civilians living in Mullaitivu.
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