Roads blocked in Jaffna

18 May 2014 02:50 pm - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Unwanted situation…

Security Forces Commander of the North, Major General Udaya Perera said the increase of military presence near the Uthayan newspaper office and several other locations in Jaffna was due to information received on the likely development of an ‘unwanted situation’ in the areas.

He said that they had only established road blocks in the areas to check vehicles and people who pass the way and that access was not completely restricted.

“So we took immediate steps upon receiving the security alert to increase security as we don’t want the army to be blamed,” he added.

Access to Uthayan newspaper office in Jaffna and the Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple were restricted by military forces today creating a tense situation in the areas in Jaffna, sources said.

According to a staff member of the Uthayan newspaper office, the two entrances leading to the office from the Navalar Road and Kasthuriyar Road were blocked by the military and all those who entered the road had been questioned of their whereabouts and where they were heading.

“Those who said they were visiting our office were turned away and not allowed to enter,” the staffer said speaking to the Daily Mirror.

Managing Director of Uthayan newspaper and TNA MP E. Sarawanabavan said the daily activities of the newspaper were disrupted today as no one was allowed access to the Uthayan office.

When he inquired the military officials stationed at the two entrances concerning the road blocks, he said he was informed it was carried out under ‘High Command’.

“They seemed to be worried about activities that might be carried out inside the office to remember the dead. A very intimate ceremony was held in the morning by staffers as several of our employees were affected by the war. But there was nothing planned for the evening,” he added.

MP Sarawanabavan said similarly, those who were planning to visit the Naguleswaram Temple to perform religious rituals to remember their loved ones had been deprived of the chance to do so as all roads leading to the temple were blocked by the military.

“This atmosphere is not at all conducive for reconciliation,” he said.

Meanwhile, a blood donation campaign that was organised by the Uthayan had also been cancelled today.

The Uthayan staffer who spoke to Daily Mirror said the mobile donation unit that was supposed to arrive at the office did not turn up and that hospitals in the area refused to accept blood claiming ‘their blood banks were full’.

Similar restrictions of access were reported at the Yal Thinakkural office in Jaffna as well. (Lakna Paranamanna)

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Comments - 19

Kiris Baba Amaray Monday, 19 May 2014 04:29 AM

Be alert, don't allow any LTTE activities to occur again. Get more Army personal and cover up the entire area.

Hooter Monday, 19 May 2014 11:41 AM

Will the govt ban JVP commemoration of their dead in November?

Sampath Monday, 19 May 2014 09:56 AM

This a one way communication message and a news paper should bring the reality, not focusing on what the news paper is against

Ashvi Monday, 19 May 2014 09:38 AM

Ashamed to read some of the comments! Be humane people...

anna Monday, 19 May 2014 08:31 AM

Yes, do whatever it takes to contain these ruthless terror supporters, so that we can sleep at night!

Suq Madique Monday, 19 May 2014 08:12 AM

Reality is the LTTE is in the process of being revived and these actions will certainly nip it in the bud. Only those who were prevented from glorifying the LTTE will find this action offensive

Public Monday, 19 May 2014 05:27 AM

No problem! for the safety of citizens.

PanMama Monday, 19 May 2014 04:46 AM

This is the press freedom the "pinheads" talk about.

Mathu Monday, 19 May 2014 04:42 AM

This is the freedom the Tamils got after the war ended. From whom they liberated Tamils by Winning the War. But actually they made the Tamils Slave in this Island Nation.

Jammy Monday, 19 May 2014 04:35 AM

Yes . your right we all should try to prevent problems like 1956 gal oya, 58 riots,77 riots, 81 library burning, 83 riots before happening. These types of problem can create another terrorist organization like LTTE from an oppressed minority.

sss Sunday, 18 May 2014 11:26 PM

By this actions isn't "high command" is giving them free international publicity

Karigalan Monday, 19 May 2014 03:56 AM

Democracy of SL
Glorifying prabakaran is wrong accepted
Mourning for dead once also wrong in this country

samarethunge Monday, 19 May 2014 03:52 AM

And some people still believe in lies spouted by the government about reconciliation and rights.

ram Monday, 19 May 2014 03:22 AM

but no use everything successfully done in north east and other areas to .

ela kolla Monday, 19 May 2014 03:20 AM

very good move

Pandithaya Monday, 19 May 2014 02:58 AM

Preventing problems, better than curing them at latter stages. Less harmful also.

vignesh Monday, 19 May 2014 02:12 AM

Thanks to dailymirror to bring reality of Jaffna to other part Sri Lanka.

Dulan Monday, 19 May 2014 01:57 AM

Afraid even of dead Tamil boys

Public Monday, 19 May 2014 01:54 AM

Is our President gonna open a Presidential Palace in Jaffna?

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Roads blocked in Jaffna

Comments - 19

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