Colombo – Thousands of minority Tamils Sunday turned up in police stations in the capital keeping with a directive by the government, which says the move will help to prevent infiltration of Tamil rebels to the city.

All citizens originally from northern Sri Lanka who have arrived during the past five years in the western province which includes the capital Colombo were told to register with police.

Minority Tamil cabinet minister Douglas Devananda expressed concern over the safety and convenience of the northern civilians who will register with the police for security reasons.

Those who do not register could be liable to be arrested in future security operations.

The move comes as the government forces have stepped up military operations in northern Sri Lanka aimed at capturing rebel-held areas. The government has called the public to be vigilant in the capital to prevent rebel attacks.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Nimal Mediwaka said that the registration process will help to prevent rebels infiltrating into the city. (dpa)