Paanama calm

Ranil Wijayapala

COLOMBO: The Government yesterday took swift action to quell a disturbing situation in the Paanama area following a protest by certain groups of Muslims in the area, by imposing Police curfew, Defence and Police sources told the Daily News yesterday.

Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando flew to Pottuvil-Paanama area and held discussions with community leaders in a bid to maintain law and order in the area, STF DIG Nimal Leuke told the Daily News.

"The Police curfew imposed in the area will continue till Thursday morning," the DIG added.

He said additional troops were also called to the area in view of further strengthening the security in the area.

He said the situation remained calm in the area with no incidents reported except for yesterday morning's incident.

According to Police, four civilians who were injured in yesterday's incident are now being treated at the Batticaloa and Kalmunai hospitals.

Government Defence Affairs Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government consulted all the parties involved and took immediate steps to bring the situation under control in Paanama.

"The situation is now completely under control and no incidents were reported from the area", the Minister remarked.

Meanwhile, a press release issued from the Ministry of Public Security and Law and Order said the Inspector General of Police under the instructions of the Defence Secretary has appointed a special CID team to conduct investigations into the murder of civilians.

"The LTTE who is making use of this incident to their advantage is misleading the general public and the international community with fabricated versions of the murders to tarnish the image of the Government and the Security Forces," the press release said.

"The public and the international community are requested not to be misled by such tactics at a time when the Government has initiated impartial investigations to unearth the truth behind this brutal massacre," the release added.