Published on - 6/18/2004
Soldiers, based in Jaffna peninsula came forward to provide food and drinks for thousands of stranded pilgrims returning from Wattappalai Kannaki Amman Kovil festival in un-cleared areas since transport and normalcy in the area remained disrupted when they were homebound due to a protest staged against the killing of journalist Mr. Nadeshan in the east.
Hundreds of devotees returning after that festival were held up at Muhamaai Entry/Exit point on 02nd June 2004 as public and private transport services remained disrupted due to that protest. Some of those female returnees, stranded with their children too, were exhausted and unable to buy any kind of refreshments or snacks due to closure of eating-houses.
Soldiers immediately organized the supply of buns and milk to those languishing in the location and transport of them up to Kodikamam, enabling them to make their way home before it was too late. Affected civilians thanked the Army for their understanding and quick action as they left the Entry/Exit point.
