EPDP boycotts JMC sessions over ‘Security Unit’

Members of Jaffna Municipal Council representing Eelam Peoples’ Demoractic Party (EPDP) boycotted sessions today citing that the recent decision to setup a security unit by the Mayor was taken without council approval.

EPDP Councilor and former Mayor Mrs Yogeswari Patkunarajah said his party extended support to current Mayor V.Manivannan on the basis of extending support to the younger generation but it is unfortunate that key decisions were taken without inputs of parties supporting his candidacy.

Earlier today Jaffna Police have recorded a statement from the Jaffna Mayor and the Municipal Commissioner regarding establishing a security unit for the Municipal Council area.

The statement was recorded after the Jaffna Municipal Council appointed five persons to a security unit to control throwing garbage in public places and streets and take action against those who litter and spit in the Municipal Council area.

However, controversy arose over similarities between the uniform which was introduced by the Municipal Council and the uniform worn by the LTTE's 'Police' in areas they held during the war.

Subsequently, Jaffna Mayor V. Manivannan was called to Police to record a statement regarding the uniform. Mr Manivannan said he gave a statement lasting nearly three hours to the Police.