Srilanka, June 28 -- The arrest of 14 residents from Umayalapuram in Kilinochchi following a confrontation with officers of the Police Special Task Force (STF) has raised questions over the conduct of the operation, with lawyers and family members alleging excessive use of force and unlawful arrests.

The incident, which occurred on June 20 near the Elephant Pass saltern, gained widespread attention after a video circulated on social media showing villagers confronting STF personnel as suspects were being taken away.

Police said the confrontation took place while officers were carrying out an operation against illegal sand mining. According to the police, the villagers obstructed officers performing their duties and assaulted STF person...