Army denies claims of monitoring patrols in Jaffna

27 January 2014 05:11 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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While claiming that within the last two weeks an important step was taken to further reduce the military presence in Jaffna by relocating 214 static guard positions occupied by troops within the peninsula, the army today rejected claims that the Sri Lanka Army had stepped up monitoring patrols in Jaffna.

“It has been alleged by certain political activists in Jaffna that the Sri Lanka Army had stepped up monitoring patrols in Jaffna. This allegation is completely baseless and represents the opposite of the actual situation,” military Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said in a statement.

He also said that the Security Forces had gradually reduced their presence in the north, conforming to the improving security situation there. Accordingly, within the last two weeks an important step was taken to further reduce the military presence by relocating 214 static guard positions occupied by troops within the Jaffna peninsula. Troops that were previously deployed in those localities had been re-deployed in the few camps that remain within the peninsula.

“With this re-deployment, which is aimed at further reducing the military presence in Jaffna, the number of public and private buildings released by the Security Forces since the end of conflict in 2009, including those located within the former High Security Zone in Palaly, has gone up to 8420.

The Security Forces carry out only essential duties for ensuring national security and providing relief in selected areas as part of its ongoing Civil Military Cooperation programmes that have received acceptance by the public and appreciation of the local as well as international community, he added.

Comments - 9

Ponniah Monday, 27 January 2014 05:25 PM

The Army should be always vigilant in these areas, there are still members of the defunct LTTE sympathizers. The TNA is nothing but the remnants of these separatists.

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Sellamutthu Monday, 27 January 2014 05:30 PM

It is very necessary that the army retains some sort of control in these areas. No sovereign country could allow past dissident groups to raise their separatist rhetoric to emerge once again.
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance. Which is a well known fact.

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Sri Lankan Tuesday, 28 January 2014 02:58 AM

It's the Sri Lankan Army, so they have a responsibility of protecting the country and the people.It's only the SL Gvt can decide where they want to established military camps, military presence within the country.
We certainly do not need to consider TNA or any other separatist elements murmurings with regard to this matter.

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Buddika Tuesday, 28 January 2014 03:26 AM

TNA can take this issue to Geneva they have rights to decide or international investigation.

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rajapaksha Tuesday, 28 January 2014 03:58 AM

We should shift all our army people to south sri lanka to control J.V.P. since they are re grouping again.

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Aascharya Puke Tuesday, 28 January 2014 05:13 AM

Patrolling should be there only to an agreeable extent, Army should not disturb the lives of people on those areas. The power abuses of Army should be zero.

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BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 28 January 2014 09:07 AM

Good to see sinhalese now using tamil names. Tomorrow when the Int'l investigation takes place and the results are known, I dont think you would want to be known as a sinhalese.

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Lobo Wednesday, 29 January 2014 06:08 AM

Good to see humans using animal names and commenting. Hope you don't end up in the slaughter house buffalo

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Suq Madique Wednesday, 29 January 2014 10:47 AM

The Army should be able to do what is necessary for the overall safety of SL without having to explain anything to outside busy-bodies

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