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Jungle Telegraph14th February 1999 |
News/Comment | Business | Plus | Sports | Mirror Magazine |
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 Operation WayambaAs the nation awaits President Chan-drika Bandaranaike Kumnaratunga to name an official Committee to probe violation of election laws and malpractices at the Wayamba polls last month, they are talking in whispers at Police Headquarters about how a major security lapse may have occurred.According to a story doing the rounds, a top cop ordered the deployment of six armed Policemen per polling station. He was, however, vetoed by a top politico who said two armed men per station was adequate.He was ordered not to deploy any more. The politico sure knew how to make his strategic plans, no matter how victory became assured. Now the billion dollar question is whether he is in for punishment. President Kumar-atunga pledged to the nation on Independence Day that "if some persons from our camp, have indulged in any actions that are contrary to the pledges we have given our people .. I pledge here and now that my government and political party will take the strictest action " Pajero buddiesIt happened not so long ago but the story is doing the rounds now.Customs seized a luxury inter cooler Pajero with a multitude optional features from the importer on the grounds that it exceeded import requirements. The vehicle was to be auctioned like all other seized goods. A boss, who was then in uniform, thought the vehicle would be most useful for him and other VIPs when they visited a northern operational area. So he wrote to the Ministry concerned for official clearance. Approval was obtained and the luxury Pajeo was acquired. It was not moved to the battle area as expected. Instead, insiders say, the boss gave it to one, a very good friend, who had no official connection but played many an unofficial role in a controversial area - procurements. Even fuel was pumped free of charge. The luxury reward was withdrawn many months later when word got out. Those in the know have been told to keep mum. Moles insideSenior military officials planning counter offensives against Tiger guerrillas in the Wanni were in for a shock early this week.An international agency having an office somewhere in an uncontrolled area wanted to know whether they should shut down their office in view of an impending offensive. Questions are now being asked as to how the word got around about security forces preparations. Insiders say this is not the first time such a thing has happened. Phone threatsSnoopers have been called in to keep tabs after top cops began receiving anonymous calls early this week.Insiders say the calls are the handiwork of a group bent on creating mischief. One caller who spoke to a top cop who was connected with security at the Wayamba poll was told he would face death. The cop was later heard saying that the threats were the acts of a group of cowards.
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