Ten Tamil youths have been arrested after Vadamaradchi villages were subjected to a third search and round-up operation by Special Task Force troops in 24 hours.
Thunnalai, Kudavaththai and Vembadi villages were surrounded by STF troops and police at around 4am on Sunday morning, with the security force personnel going house by house to carry out searches.
Ten were arrested and one motorcycle seized.
The weekend of operations which has seen hundreds of troops and police officers deployed in Thunnalai and the surrounding villages has caused fear and tension in the region.
Around two dozen youths have now been arrested for alleged violent infranctions during anti-police protests following the killing of a Thunnalai man by police last month.
STF troops photograph journalists and locals |