Nine new police stations have been established in areas in the Eastern Province recently liberated by the government security forces, SCOPP learns.  It is also planned to set up 20-25 police check points in this district to complement the work of the police stations. 

This is part of the government's overall strategy to bring back normalcy to the war-torn region and complements the resettlement, reconstruction and livelihood development that is already under way. 

Five police stations have been established in the Batticaloa District (Vakarai, Kokkadicholai, Vavnathivu, Ayiththamalai and Karadiyanaru) and one in Trincomalee (Sampoor). IN addition police stations have been set up in Mahindapura, Ichchalanpattu and Verugal.  Steps have also been taken to establish police stations in Mangalagama and Panama (Ampara District) and 9 Police check points, 4 in the Trincomalee District (Alicewatte, Ilukpokuna, Kappalthurai and Nilaveli) and 5 in Ampara (Central Camp Bar Junction, Sammanthurai-Nindambuwagama, Periya Nilawanee, Thirei Nilawanee, Akkaraipattu-5th Mile Post).

SCOPP has taken the view that as civilian life returns to the area and de-mining efforts near completion, it is important that law and order be restored and overall societal processes brought within the regular writ of the state, and believes this is an important step in the correct direction.