Jaffna’s Military Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe has declared that the Army is in Jaffna to protect citizens and not to seize their lands or money.
Hathurusinghe claims that since the end of the war in 2009, the army has improved its rapport with the people of Jaffna by providing security as well as various developmental services.
Uthayan reports the Commander as saying in a rather puzzling statement:
“Security forces have been living together with the people here for a very long time; so many people may be bothered by or have had difficulties with the soldiers. However I believe that these are far outweighed by the benefits reaped from the presence of the troops.
“The number of soldiers in Jaffna is not important, the protection and services they provide are of importance and of quality, as many soldiers are providing assistance and services to the public.
“I would like to declare to you all that the presence of soldiers in Jaffna is by no means a plan to seize your lands or your money but they are there purely for your protection.”
