Curbing underworld activities Permitted to shoot if necessary: Minister

• There are numerous reports of shootings among rival underworld gangs and necessary measures have already been taken to stop such activities

While admitting that there are a number of reports of shootings among rival groups of underworld gangs in the country Public Security Minister Tiran Alles yesterday said that security forces have been instructed to shoot if necessary when curbing underworld activities.

Addressing a media conference held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) the minister said the Public Security Ministry has developed a special programme to eradicate narcotic drugs from the country.

Accordingly, the Special Task Force, the police and other security forces have launched special joint operations, especially in the Southern Province where  underworld activities are on the rise, the PMD said quoting the Minister.

“At present, there are numerous reports of shootings among rival underworld gangs and necessary measures have already been taken to stop such activities. The security forces have also been instructed to shoot if necessary. As a responsible government, no activity that harms the lives of the people will be tolerated,” the minister said.

He also said that following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s instructions, they have provided the Catholic Church with a copy of the complete investigation report concerning the Easter Sunday attacks.

“The Catholic Church should also extend its support to the police investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks,” he added.