While various comments are being made regarding the removal of the bronze statue of Thiaga Deepam Dileepan erected in Nallur, Jaffna by the police, Minister of Maritime Affairs Ramalingam Chandrasekaran has said that this action has no direct connection with the National People’s Power Government.
The minister said this while speaking to the media after a discussion held at Poonagari Divisional Secretariat.
While allegations are being leveled against the government regarding the removal of Dilepan’s statue, the minister explained that this was not an action taken on the direct orders of the government.
According to Minister Chandrasekaran, there were some pending resolutions to be taken by the Jaffna Municipal Council regarding the issue of the idol being placed in Nallur area, and the police took action because those resolutions were not taken.
The minister also mentioned that the municipal council and the police did not properly fulfill their responsibilities in this incident. He said that the incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken in future.
Meanwhile, an explanation has been released from the police regarding the reason for removing the statue. Police media spokesperson F.U. According to Woodler, the statue was removed based on a complaint received by the police.
The police said the action was taken based on a complaint that action was being taken to recall a person associated with a banned organisation. Also, the police spokesperson said that the statue was removed to preserve communal harmony and avoid situations that could create a war mood.
Jaffna Magistrate’s Court regarding this issue
It is reported that the police have also given an explanation in the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court regarding this issue. The police also mentioned that the next hearing of the case will be held on October 2.
Dileepan commemoration events were held in Nallur area in September this year. On September 15th, there were reports that a new bronze statue was unveiled near the Dileepan Memorial. Various media reported that the statue was removed in the early hours of September 27 after the events of Dilipan’s memorial day on September 26.
Following the removal of the statue, there has been a protest in Nallur area. According to reports, members of the public, political representatives and commemoration organizers participated in the protest against the incident.
It has been reported that vigilance measures have been called for in the Northern and Eastern provinces as well. It has also been reported that the North-East Valiant Disappeared People’s Association has called for simultaneous protests in eight districts.
Dilipan-related commemorations continue to be an emotional issue in Sri Lanka’s post-war political and social environment. He died in September 1987 while on a hunger strike demanding many demands from the Indian government. This year marks the 39th anniversary of his commemoration.
explanations given by the government
The explanations given by the government and the police regarding the incident of removal of the statue have now received attention. While Minister Chandrasekaran has said that this action has no direct connection with the government, it has been explained that the legal action was taken based on a complaint from the police.
Meanwhile, various parties are raising questions about the manner in which the statue was removed and the legal basis for it. On the other hand, the police has explained the reasons for its action to the court and the media.
Further details regarding the incident will be clear only after the next steps and court hearing in the matter will be held in the coming days.