Move to tarnish image of Security Forces in North - Security Forces Commander

by Ananth PALAKIDNAR

Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe said that some anti social elements were exploiting the present volatile situation in the North to tarnish the image of the Security Forces. A special meeting was held at the Jaffna Government Agent’s Office yesterday to study the current volatile situation in the Jaffna Peninsula.

Several prominent people from the Jaffna Civil Society including the Bishop of Jaffna the Rt. Rev. Thomas Savuntharanayagam also participated in the meeting.

Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe said the Security Forces and the police in Jaffna were doing their best to maintain law and order.

“Like in other parts of the country, criminal elements have been active in the North as well in the recent past. This is not terrorism. However, certain political forces and some irresponsible newspapers are trying to tarnish the image of the Security Forces”, the Major. General said.

He also outlined the security measures adopted by the Security Forces and the police to maintain law and order in the North. “Day and night patrols by Security Forces and the police were intensified recently. Road checks have been introduced to screen suspicious vehicles and persons. The public should also extend their cooperation to curb criminal activities in the North”, he said.

Jaffna Bishop the Rt. Rev. Thomas Savuntharanayagam called upon the Security Forces to provide the maximum security to protect civilians. The Bishop said that Security Forces personnel were doing a good job to prevent any untoward incidents.

Jaffna Government Agent, Mrs. Imelda Sukumar, Acting DIG Jaffna Cecil Perera, Senior Members from the Security Forces and police along with Assistant Government Agents from all AGAs divisions in Jaffna participated.