IGP instructs cops to ensure security at fuel sheds to prevent clashes

In the wake of a massive shortage of fuel which has resulted in lengthy queues at fuel stations, the IGP has issued directives to senior police officers to implement a special security plan around all fuel stations throughout the country to prevent any possible tense situations.

The directives have been issued for all OICs, HQIs, DIGs and SDIGs.

IGP C.D. Wickramaratne directed police to take appropriate steps to provide access to obtain fuel on a priority basis for the ambulances, fire trucks, tourist vehicles and other emergency vehicles.

Also, people who come to fuel stations with cans for the equipment used for agriculture or industry purpose should also be given access to obtain fuel without any interruption.

If there are queues of vehicles for refueling, police officers should be deployed at such fuel stations until the congestion is minimized and necessary instructions should be given to control traffic and prevent any incident, the IGP directed the senior officers.

The IGP said that it is the responsibility of every senior police officers to ensure that all police areas take appropriate steps to maintain peace in those areas.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)