Jaffna Mayor released on bail over forming controversial ‘security unit’

The Jaffna Magistrate Court granted bail to the Jaffna Mayor V. Manivanna last night over establishing a municipal ‘security unit’ which created controversy of ‘promoting LTTE ideologies’ linking with the uniform of the unit with the police force of separatist Tamil Tigers.

The 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.

He was produced before Jaffna High Court by 8.00pm by police. He was charged under penal Code provisions of 120, 332 and 343. A legal team of twenty lawyers led by M.A. Sumanthiran PC appeared for the Mayor.
The mayor was released on a personal bail of Rs 200,000. The case was postponed to June 24.

Earlier Terrorism Investigation Department (TID) officials arrested Mayor Manivannan early hours of today on charges of promoting ideologies of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) over setting up of a 'security unit' under the council.

He was arrested under provisions of Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) after TID obtained an eight-hour long statement from him yesterday over the new unit he authorised to ensure a clean city. He was taken to the TID office in Vavuniya for further questioning.

Following the controversy over the dress code of the new security unit similar to LTTE's police force, Mayor Manivanna clarified there were no hidden agendas as such and the new unit was formed similar to one formed in Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

Earlier 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.