Several STF squads and Police units have been deployed to strengthen security in and around Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna City limits in the aftermath of the emergence of the 'AAVA' group that has claimed responsibility for putting two Policemen to the sword.
AAVA's leaflets scattered throughout the Jaffna peninsula have resurrected the old fear psychosis in and around the Jaffna District and other major towns, especially because of the ransom demands at the point of swords by AAVA hoodlums.
Sources said that after the recent assault on two Police officers attached to the State Intelligence Unit at Chunnakam, several STF teams had been deployed in the major cities in the Northern Province not only to track down members of the 'AAVA' group but to maintain law and order as well.
The source said five AAVA cadres had already been arrested and remanded while a few others identified as 'Sanna', 'Deva', and 'Prakash' are being hunted by the STF.
Police sources said those still on the lam were possibly hiding in the jungles in and around Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi from where they emerging on motorcycles armed with swords and knives and proceed to ransack shops and other business establishments.
Meanwhile, all DIGs, Divisional Senior SSPs, HQIs and OICs serving in the Northern Province have had preapproved requests for leave cancelled.
Intelligence operatives have received information that the 'AAVA' group was also in the process of recruiting unemployed youth in the Northern Province to further sustain its agenda.
