Governor issues tough warning to criminal gangs operating in the North, urges politicians to sever links

By Dinasena Ratugamage

Northern politicians should stop aiding and abetting various gangs that operate in the area, Governor Jeevan Thiyagarajah has said.

The armed groups had become a serious issue for law abiding citizens, he said on 31 Oct.

Responding to Jaffna journalists, the Governor said that the lawlessness had been continuing for too long. “The culture of violence is spreading in Jaffna. For a few years groups have started assaulting people. I had a discussion with security forces chiefs because it seems that neither the police nor security forces could tackle this menace. I have received information that some regional politicians are supporting these gangs. I urge these politicians to stop doing so immediately,” he said.

Governor Thiyagarajah said there were accusations that some rehabilitated LTTE cadres were involved such gangs. The Governor said that he would take steps in the near future to neutralise the criminal gangs.