Police responsible for poll-related violence - IGP

IGP Victor Perera has informed all police officers serving in the East that they would be held responsible for any election-related violence that takes place in their respective division in the run up to the provincial council polls there.

The police chief has informed them by letter to take steps to maintain law and order in their areas.

By yesterday (April 22nd), sixteen election related incidents of violence were reported from the date of nominations, Police say.

Nine incidents were reported from Batticaloa district, followed by five in Ampara and two from Trincomalee.

At a press briefing yesterday, Peoples’ Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said that 21 serious incidents including four murders, seven assaults and eight threats have been reported.