Sampur police station opened

Ranil Wijayapala

SAMPUR: The Government yesterday took first step towards strengthening the civil administration in the Sampur area which was liberated from the clutches of the LTTE after a week long battle by the Security Forces by opening a new Police station yesterday.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eastern Range (North) Ananda Lewangama opened the Sampur Police station yesterday with the participation of the Area Commanders of the Security Forces and the Government officials.

DIG Levangama told the Daily News that the opening of the Sampur Police station was a prerequisite for the resettlement of the civilian population in the Sampur area after it was liberated from the LTTE as the Government was keen on resettling people there very soon.

"Apart from the main Police station in Sampoor we expect to open a Police post in Kattaparichchan area very soon," DIG Levangama said.

The DIG said the 75 Police personnel are needed to keep law and order in the area.

He said they will come out with a special programme to provide additional security for the villagers after they are resettled in their villages.

He said the area will be cleared for the resettlement of civilians within a very short period.

"The Security Forces are now engaged in the mine clearing operation in the area and are due to complete their task within two weeks time," DIG Levangama added.

He said the area where the Police station was opened was free of mines.

"Clearance will soon be given for civilians to settle in their villages after the area is declared mine free," he said.

The LTTE had heavily mined the area to block the advancing troops.