ARMY troops hand in hand with local Policemen provided security and all possible assistance to pilgrims who thronged sacred Jaffna Naga Deepa temple in their thousands on Medin Full Moon Poya Day (February 28).
The Naga Deepa temple, sanctified by the arrival of Buddha from India in order to settle a tussle between two brothers, Chulodara and Mahodara, who were kings of the Naga clan. Both of them were at war with each other over a gem-studded throne according to ancient chronicles.
Army troops who completely wrested control of the Jaffna peninsula after decimating LTTE terrorism estimate that a record five lakhs or more southerners flocked to the peninsula during the weekend on pilgrimage or holiday. This historic temple remained inaccessible to the devotees for over two decades as a result of LTTE terrorism.
The A 9 highway was opened in December last year after Army troops declared the road safe for traveling in December last year. In the past week alone, statistics confirmed a little over one million visitors have arrived in the peninsula on various assignments. Army troops helped bus operators as well as other drivers to find parking places and connecting transport services.
