Lankan village becomes voting bazaar

Sri Lankan voters from Tamil Tiger-controlled territories wait in line to cast their vote in the country's parliamentary elections in Batticaloa yesterday. Fears of a factional war overshadowed this east Sri Lankan town as voters made their way to the polling stations from Tamil Tiger territories across cleared mine fields to participate in the country's third parliamentary election in four years. PHOTO: AFP

Labourers and farmers, including women cradling babies, trooped out of "special" buses run by the government as heavily-armed Sri Lankan soldiers and policemen stood guard.

Sixteen polling stations, most representing a village in rebel-held territory, formed a circle in the Vavunathivu hamlet, on the de facto frontier seven km west of restive eastern Batticaloa district.

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"It was a very difficult journey," said Chandra Bose, a frail 62-year-old Tamil from Karadiyanaru village in rebel territory. "I am a poor labourer, but I think my vote is important for the (Tamil) cause."

Bose had travelled by bus more than 20km in order to vote.

"At this age and my physical condition travelling is the main hurdle," he said after voting.

Police prevented voters from speaking to the media or crowding outside the polling station.