THE Army, upon completion of the total removal of LTTE landmines and booby traps from the precincts, has decided to give the green light for smooth conduct of the annual Madu festival in August this year, a meeting attended by Security Forces and the Police in Vavuniya was told.
Monday (29) evening’s Security Coordinating meeting at Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni, presided by Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni was attended by Deputy Inspector General of Police for Mannar L.I.C. Perera, respective Division and Brigade Commanders in those areas.
Army Engineers and de-mining teams for more than a year were busy clearing the Madu Shrine premises and its surroundings of LTTE buried landmines, booby traps and other explosive devices after the area was brought under the troops some time back. Major General Jayasuriya giving mine-free clearance assurance told the meeting that this year’s annual festival would draw record numbers of southern pilgrims, in view of the normalcy prevailing in the area. Those devotees should be able to do their prayers as they wished, free from fear or any inconvenience, Major General Jayasuriya underlined.
Area Police stations in coordination with their superiors and military authorities are expected to finalize security arrangements, needed to be put in place once the holy festival begins. Police were also advised to liaise with Madu Shrine clergy before implementation of intended security measures.
A couple of years ago, Tiger terrorists after encircling the holy premises went on directing heavy fire with the intention of harming the Security Forces providing security to the Madu Shrine and its inmates, including the clergy. LTTE attacks damaged a few buildings of the Shrine including part of a residential complex of the clergy.
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