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| Sunday, 21 March 2004 |
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Security | Today's Top Story |  |
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To prevent untoward incidents: STF on high alert in East by ANTON NONIS Special Task Force (STF) has been placed on high alert in the Eastern Province as a contingency measure to prevent any untoward incidents in the run up to the elections and any fall-out from the rift in the LTTE. Commandant STF, DIG Nimal Lewke told the Sunday Observer that polls-related tension was high in Akkaraipattu and Pottuvil. He said there had been a hartal in Kalmunai protesting the transfer of the Headquarters Inspector from Kalmunai. Two teenage boys had been injured in the shooting that erupted. The DIG said that investigations had revealed the youth to be innocent by-standers not involved in any election propaganda work or the hartal. One of the injured boys was admitted to the Kandy General Hospital and had to undergo surgery. The other was admitted to the Kalmunai hospital. The DIG said that in spite of the rift in the LTTE, the STF continues to hold meetings with them. "The LTTE has been discussing the problems affecting the Eastern region business community, farmers and the public," he said adding that the discussions with the LTTE had enabled the STF to arrive at solutions. Local leaders of renegade Karuna's faction, he said, also continue to meet the STF. Lewke said there was a great deal of infighting among the candidates in the Eastern region, because of stiff competition. He had met almost all Eastern region candidates including Ferial Ashroff, Rauff Hakeem and Hisbullah and had discussions about creating a peaceful atmosphere in the region. Lewke also pointed out that election meetings which start at 9.00 pm, and continue till 3.00 am had contributed substantially to troubles in the area. The DIG said the areas are not well lit at times and the STF men are too tired to carry out an effective security exercise. However, subsequent to discussions with the STF, the candidates had agreed to advance the election meetings and finish them early. |
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