Dismantled camps of the elite commando unit of the Sri Lankan forces, the Special Task Force (STF), are being re-established in same private residential buildings earlier vacated by the STF in the Ampaa’rai district. The lands returned to legal owners are being re-occupied by the STF. Camps have been already established at Thirukkoayil, Akkaraip-pattu, Kaarai-theevu, Kalmunai and Kaagnchirang-kudaa.
Residents fear that the STF could engage in repressive measures against the freedom movement of the villagers despite claims by STF officers that such camps are set up to control the activities of the roaming “grease devils”.
The re-establishment of STF camps is being carried out contrary to the statement made by the SL military spokesman that all private residential buildings where such camps were located have been returned to their owners.
TN