Protest over Habaraduwa OIC’s transfer

23 December 2011 04:50 pm

An angry crowd of more than 1,000 today burnt tyres and staged a protest in the Habaraduwa Town over the transfer of Habaraduwa Police OIC A.B. Welagedara, who they said had taken steps to reduce crime and illegal activities in the area.

The protesters obstructed traffic on the Galle–Matara main road and shouted slogans against the authorities who they said had victimised an honest police officer who campaigned against illegal activities and arrested the culprits.
The people said the crime rate in the area had declined after the OIC assumed duties. They said a prominent politician in the area was behind the arbitrary transfer of the police officer.

A large number of policemen were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any violence. The protesters dispersed after Galle District DIG Hector Dharmasiri assured them he would consider the cancellation of the transfer after consulting the relevant authorities. (D.G. Sugathapala and Sajeewa Wijeweera)