Tense situ between navy and illegal sand miners in Kinniya

29 January 2019 02:58 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Navy fired into the air to quell a tense situation that had arisen between some naval personnel and illegal sand miners at Kandakadu in Kinniya this morning, the Navy said.

Navy Spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara said the shots were fired when the illegal sand miners attempted to attack the navy personnel who raided the site.

He said the Navy and the STF are frequently conducting raids on illegal sand mining in the Mahaweli River basin on the instruction of the President and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau.

“The Navy, assisted by the STF, had arrested several illegal sand miners and took into custody their boats and tipper trucks used for the sand mining in the area during some of the raids carried out recently. However, a group of racketeers had launched a protest when the officers visited Kandakadu this morning to arrest a group of illegal sand miners,” Lieut. Commander Suriyabandara said.

He said seven racketeers were arrested during the raid while two others had escaped by jumping into the river.

Police and STF personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control. Lt. Commander Suriyabandara said the Eastern Province Governor had also arrived at the scene and that the police are conducting further investigations.

He said the Navy would continue to raid illegal sand mining operations despite the protest by racketeers.(Darshana Sanjeewa)

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Comments - 7

Sunil Tuesday, 29 January 2019 03:19 PM

Don't fire into the air. Shoot to kill.

BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 29 January 2019 04:16 PM

Bcos of primitive monkeys like u, this country is unable to progress.

Hari m Tuesday, 29 January 2019 05:19 PM

Well said, these are organized gangs that threatened the life of police and the legal land owners. Criminals need to be send a strong message. Do that in Jaffna too as we have had enough of these criminals

dilip Tuesday, 29 January 2019 04:12 PM

Find a good reason to kill these bastards. That's the only way to get rid of them.

Mandy Tuesday, 29 January 2019 04:13 PM

Eastern Province Governor had also arrived at the scene - wonder to do what without a gun? May be to help the politico behind the racket.

Raj K Tuesday, 29 January 2019 08:34 PM

People in Jaffna coastal areas need protection too, from these ruthless gangs, digging gaping holes amidst our properties taking sand. Some are villagers also involved acting as a lookout for any police activity in busting these gangs. When the landowners go they act in threatening manner surrounding them, intimidating them. Sadly police turns a blind eye when we complain and refuse to take action.

Arnold Wednesday, 30 January 2019 06:20 AM

Typical third world country!! They make everything illegal without giving alternatives. If the govt allows business to pump sea sand and sell for a lower price the rackets will die off automatically.

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Tense situ between navy and illegal sand miners in Kinniya

Comments - 7

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