Search operations intensified in Thanamalwila

Ranil Wijayapala

Search operations in Thanamalwila and Moneragala areas were intensified after deploying additional troops and Police personnel as another two soldiers engaged in search operations have injured in a Tiger fire in Sirinandapura, Police and Military sources said yesterday.

"Two soldiers engaged in search operations in Sirinandapura were injured as they were fired upon by Tiger cadres hiding inside the jungle around 12.30 p.m", Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told the Daily News yesterday.

One soldier was admitted to the Thanamalwila hospital and the other soldier was released after treatment.

Army, Police Special Task Force, Police and Civil Defence Force intensified search operations yesterday after three Policemen were killed by Tiger cadres who had crossed the road at Thanamalwila, Kithulkote area.

One IP and two Police Constables attached to the Thanamalawila were killed in the Tiger attack.

According to Senior DIG Jayantha Wickremeratne the Tiger cadres have escaped further into the jungle after attacking the Police patrol on Monday night.

He said the Police Assistant escaped from the incident was not in a position to give details about the incident and also the number of Tiger cadres involved in the incident as it was quite dark when the incident occurred.

DIG Wickremeratne said Police in consultation with the Army has set up new Police posts in vulnerable areas to intensify security in Thanamalwila and Moneragala areas. "In addition we have taken measures to provide security for villages in Thanamalwila, Wellawaya and Tissmaharama areas", he said.

The assistance of the Civil Defence Force has also been taken to strengthen security. Meanwhile, Hambantota Area Commander Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe said they expect to track the Tiger cadres hiding in the jungles soon.