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| Tuesday, 23 March 2004 |
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by Sarath Malalasekera A total of 200 Army deserters said to be involved in election related violence have been arrested. According to the Police Election Secretariat, the arrests were made from various parts of the country, the highest being from the Central Province where 51 Army deserters were taken into custody. The other arrests were from the North Central Province 33, Southern Province 39, Western Province 33, Eastern Province 27, Wayamba nine and two from the Uva Province. Meanwhile, post nomination incidents of polls violence reached 848 yesterday. According to the Police Election Secretariat 662 of these incidents relate to election offences while 186 complaints pertained to Violation of Election Laws. UNP had made 308 complaints, PA 27, JVP 69, UPFA 218, SLMC 23 and other parties 203. A majority of the complaints related to death threats, the use of criminal force, abuse and offensive language, the Election Secretariat said. The highest number of incidents had been reported from Ampara numbering 54, Ratnapura 51, Aruradhapura 43, Matale 35, Negombo 22, Moneragala 19 and Chilaw 18. Other incidents have been reported from Batticaloa District, Mawanella, Ampara, Negombo, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Kandy, Tangalle, Eheliyagoda, Kalmunai, Akuressa, Wattala, Matale, Wattegama, Nagoda-Galle, Welipenna, Walapone, Kegalle, Gampola, Gampaha, Kadawata, Nugegoda and Chilaw police areas. DIG Gamini Navaratne is in charge of the Unit on Election Offences while DIG Mahinda Balasuriya is in charge of the Police Communication Centre. Inspector General of Police Indra de Silva has directed all Senior DIGs and DIGs to obtain assistance when required from the three Armed Forces. DIG Wickremaratne said public assistance and cooperation during the election period are very important. Public could contact the nearest police station and supply information about trouble makers. All Police stations have been directed to entertain complaints regarding the violation of election laws from all candidates and the public. OICs have been instructed to communicate with the Police Election Secretariat daily, DIG Wickremaratne said. |
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