News
Villagers protest alleged Navy assault, claim smuggling cover-up
View(s):Pix and text by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
Villagers in Daluwa, Norochcholai, staged a protest on Thursday, demanding a
fair inquiry into the alleged assault of a resident by navy personnel.
The resident, 63-year-old Neville Mervyn Fernando had been staying overnight in his coconut land to protect the coconuts that had been plucked the previous day when a group of Navy personnel had entered the land and allegedly assaulted him after questioning as to why he was staying on in his land at night, residents say.
Following the assault he had been hospitalised.
Villagers on Thursday staged a protest against the Navy and Police claiming they were helping drug smugglers and did not want residents to be around areas close to the beach at nights.
Normal Livera, a resident said that those smuggling drugs and beedi leaves were operating with the help of the Navy and Police in the area. He claimed on days such activities took place the Navy and Police prevented them from going to the beach.
Residents say that Navy personnel were seen taking pictures of the protestors and following an argument the villagers had got them to delete the pictures.
Police too had been reluctant to take any action until noon, but later Puttalam DIG Nalaka Silva ordered an inquiry into the matter.
Villagers however claimed they were not aware of any inquiry taking place.
The Navy spokesman denied the claim by villagers.
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