Sri Lankan Task Force troops assaulted a driver in Kilinochchi, creating tension between locals and troops, Uthayan reported last week.
The driver of a dipper vehicle who had obtained permission to excavate sand was followed by STF troops and arrested at Paranthan junction.
The troops took the driver to the Paranthan bus station and assaulted him.
Eyewitnesses described how the driver was beaten with guns and punched by the troops.
The incident sparked confrontations between Paranthan residents and STF troops and a tense situation in the area.