Sri Lankan army troops and police are conducting an aggressive house to house search operation in Kanakampikaikilam, in Kilinochchi district, residents say.
Large numbers of heavily armed police and soldiers arrived unannounced early Sunday morning and cordoned off the village, restricting access in and out of the area, before ransacking houses and seizing all personal documents, digital devices and computers.
No reason was given for the search, which has spread panic amongst people, sources in Vanni told Tamil Guardian.
The new search operations come amid prevailing anxiety amongst the populace caused by the heightened presence of the military in several parts of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts in recent weeks, they added.
See related articles:
Vanni fearful amid further arrests and intensified militarisation (16 Mar 2014)
Heavy military presence in Vanni following detention of campaigner and daughter (14 Mar 2014)
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