Jungle Telegraph

12th April 1998

No 'Veera Prathapa' for the police?

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga last week bestowed the title Veera Prathapa on three brave men from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The national honours for exceptional acts of bravery went to Corporal Wickremasinghe, Able Seaman Weerasinghe and Leading Aircraftsman Kumara Perera.

What about the Police service ? The Presidential Secretariat want to honour a Policeman too.

But the Inspector General of Police, W.B. Rajaguru, felt there was none in the service suitable for nomination!

Its hard to believe there are no heroes in the Police, particularly among the lower ranks. Perhaps the Police Chief should take a second look.

Three in the running for top post

The Police Depart ment will soon have a new boss. That is when the present incumbent, W.B. Rajaguru, goes on retirement in June, this year. Mr. Rajaguru who reached the age of 60 last year was given an year's extension.

Already some of the DIGs who are next on line are staking their claims for the plum post. At least three of them are said to be in the running. This is while the men hope they will have a new boss who will alleviate some of their basic problems like housing and living allowances.

Mr. Rajaguru had many plans too. Some like giving cash rewards to gallant cops went into effect. But there were problems over other grandiose things like the Police acquiring a helicopter or building swimming pools.

Bishop reveals Jaffna situ

Jaffna Bishop, Rev. Thomas Savundranayagam's nine day tour of the Wanni from March 17 has brought about some interesting revelations.

On March 21 he met LTTE theoretician Anton Balasingham and Thamil Chelvam for a 40 minute meeting at nightfall.

According to him, an estimated 500,000 civilians have been displaced by the heavy fighting during "Operation Jaya Sikurui." They are concentrated in Puthukudiruppu, Mallavi and Akkarayan. Many are afflicted with Malaria and Typhoid. A large number want to go to Jaffna.

There are over 4,000 civilians held up in Mannar without any form of transport to travel to the north. They cannot afford air fares.

LTTE under PLOTE shielding?

Security forces personnel last week surrounded the PLOT office in Chavakachcheri and arrested an alleged LTTE infiltrator. They are now investigating to ascertain whether any PLOT member provided safe haven to the LTTE suspect.

Special Assignment

Editorial/Opinion Contents