Army, STF enter Puttlam

22 August 2011 06:26 am - 26 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Army and the elite Special Task Force (STF) took control of the Puttlam town after violent clashes erupted last night which resulted in the death of a 23 year old Police Constable and injuring five civilians.

All police officers in the area have been called in to the police station and are given heavy protection by the Army and the STF. No policemen have been stationed on duty around the area, police said.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K. Illangakoon went to Puttlam today to discuss with the police as to how to deal with the situation. He held a meeting with senior police and army officers in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the 23-year-old constable was on his way back to the station after traffic duty when he was severely assaulted by the angry mob in front of the Sathosa retail outlet.

On Sunday evening a tense situation took place in Manalgunduwa area in Puttlam when at least five persons were injured during a shootout when villagers ran amok when the police prevented them from catching a person who they thought was a ‘Grease Devil’. The unrest between civilians and the security forces spread to the Puttlam town following the shootout.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Nihal Hapuarachchi said that currently the army has sent one company consisting of 120 troops.

“The law enforcement agencies will deal severely with those who spread rumours and attempt to provoke and mislead the public”, he said. “We are currently conducting foot and mobile patrols in the area. Mobile road blocks are also placed in the area,” Brigadier Hapuarachchi said. He assured that the situation is under control and no suspects have been arrested so far. “We searched to arrest those who were responsible in spreading the rumours but we did not arrest any individual in Puttlam,” he said.

In the same area in another incident, villagers turned angry when they were prevented from entering a house by some police constables on a motor bike. The people had then set fire to the bike and had assaulted one of the constables while the other had run away.

A number of statements were taken from people in the area but no arrest was made as the situation would worsen if an arrest was made, the police said. (Supun Dias and Hiran Priyankara Jayasingha)

Pics by Priyankara Jayasingha

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Comments - 26

ind Tuesday, 23 August 2011 03:53 AM

Well said.

Dana Tuesday, 23 August 2011 04:44 AM

there is some thing behind all the incidents

Fazlan Tuesday, 23 August 2011 05:14 AM

Wonder of Asia

Bandara Monday, 22 August 2011 06:33 AM

Why mostly muslim areas?

Mr. Greek Devil Monday, 22 August 2011 12:21 PM

Police and Army should do what ever it takes to bring peace and normality to these areas.

SidathB Monday, 22 August 2011 12:39 PM

Well said. Thank you Nizam

sinhalee sampath Monday, 22 August 2011 07:37 AM

This funny devil can be one of the them.

silva Monday, 22 August 2011 07:40 AM

Hiden agenda behind.

sl130 Monday, 22 August 2011 01:40 PM

country is proud of u.you are a brave police officer.

varuna Monday, 22 August 2011 07:36 AM

Kill those who ever violate law.

I Hussein Monday, 22 August 2011 01:55 PM

Mission acomplished. This is what exactly they want.
This is going to be Sino- Lanka soon.

Wara Monday, 22 August 2011 07:49 AM

Yes, it's a big question !!

rif Monday, 22 August 2011 07:52 AM

1st province in army control what is next

Afker Hussain Monday, 22 August 2011 07:58 AM

Its a good move to bring in the Army to maintain law and order and prevent another communal clash.

Maqs Monday, 22 August 2011 08:04 AM

Oh, you mean those who are supposed to maintain law and order but not doing so

rom Monday, 22 August 2011 08:05 AM

Then no politicians will be remain......

Dissa Monday, 22 August 2011 08:06 AM

First East? Now North west? What? Is Al Queda behind the scenes looking for new breeding grounds to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Nighthawk Monday, 22 August 2011 08:21 AM

We can see the motives behind this. Many more such scenes will be enacted in days and weeks to come.

thomas Monday, 22 August 2011 08:32 AM

u mean police is not capable of managing the situ..
what a state of the country...

Fazli Monday, 22 August 2011 09:03 AM

We shall not bring the religion into this already
critical situation. Doing so will only escalate
violence & hatred which is good for no one.

jack Monday, 22 August 2011 09:05 AM

These events should not happen any more.
It seems all players are behind the screen.
Thoroughly investigate & root out before uneanted elements come out.

Siva Monday, 22 August 2011 09:08 AM

Grease devils reap the benefits, well planned but a little obvious. God save this beautiful island. We are out.

sham Monday, 22 August 2011 09:15 AM

The only Al Queda i see is the politicians of this country, there are vertually selling this land to all goons.

Creating communal conflicts and living off our tax money and generous donations from the world.

We ignorant citizens watch cricket matches and scold Dilshan for not performing where there much worst situations are been created!!!!!!

Pissupusa Monday, 22 August 2011 09:24 AM

This government plan how can grease devils only in Muslims & Tamil areas only....They want to create some issues for their survival..

Nizam Jayah Monday, 22 August 2011 09:22 AM

These are not communal violence. Somebody created a story of Grease Devil and it's a hot cake for others. When someone is arrested the people wanted law in to their hands. They attack Police Stations demanding the prisoners and start attacking Policemen. Stern action needed to restore law and order for a peaceful situation. Let's not spread these unwanted incidents as communal disharmony because it happened in Kahawatte, Hatton and many other areas where all communities live. We shall get together and work for peace and harmony.

upulkarupul Monday, 22 August 2011 09:33 AM

MR will have to take action similar to what Cameron has taken.

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Army, STF enter Puttlam

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