A large number of state officials, private sector businessmen and members of the public, in Mannar and its suburbs, have contacted the Police and troops to inform them that some LTTE cadres in the area were demanding increased extortions from them in order to strengthen LTTE coffers, the Defence Ministry said in a statement posted on the army website.
The affected sections had reportedly told the Police on Tuesday (2) that the LTTE was demanding and threatening the public to increase their sums of funds given to the LTTE for reasons best known only to the LTTE.
Businessmen in the area after a meeting they have reportedly had with LTTE political leaders in Mannar kept their shops closed on Sunday (31), instead of Saturday, the usual day of closure.
Government officials further claimed that the LTTE cadres who visit their places of work were also giving various instructions to them since of recent times.
