Security has been stepped up in Trincamalee as attacks escalated

V Vigneshwaran, convenor of Tamil Peoples Organisation, said they agreed to suspend the protest though the government refused to entertain their main request.

Regional security officials headed by Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the north and the east, Mahinda Balasuriya, agreed to accommodate five of their demands, he said.

No Army withdrawal

The security officials met representatives from 42 community and religious organisations in Trincomalee on Sunday.

The senior DIG, on the advice of the Defense Secretary, has told the delegates that the security situation in the volatile eastern Sri Lankan region has to be improved before withdrawing the security forces.

Five demands Army should leave civil matters to be handled by police Police and the Army should work together in the city than operating separately The Army should be withdrawn from schools and temples Unidentified persons should not be allowed to carry out security operations A notice of arrest should be issued mentioning the reason, officer’s name and place the suspect to be kept, if somebody is arrested

Vigneshawaran said the authorities agreed to his request that the Army should not be allowed to carry out duties in civil disobediences.

A Police officer should be present, he has argued, with every two Army personnel in the area.

DIG Balasuriya has promised to make arrangements to implement the agreement from Monday, Vigneshwaran added.

The Tamil Peoples Organisation expressed hope that the police will abide by the pledges given on Sunday.

Counter allegations

If the police fail to keep their word, Vigneshwaran warned, that the troubles might erupt again.

Trincomalee has been tense since five Tamil students and 12 sailors were killed in the region within weeks.

The security forces are accused of killing the students, a charge they deny.

The Defense Ministry has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Tamil Tigers deny they are behind the recent attacks on security forces but the international truce monitors on Friday said they “cannot rule out” LTTE involvement.