JVP SLAMS AT POLICE INACTION

Days after Julampitiye Amare - the main suspect in the Katuwana killings - was produced in courts, the JVP yesterday charged that the other members of the killer squad were still at large along with the weapons used in the crime due to police inaction.

Addressing a news conference, JVP propaganda secretary Vijitha Herath said the Tangalle Magistrate held the police responsible for allowing Geegana Gamage Amarasena alias Julampitiye Amare to commit crimes unabated.

JVP yesterday charged that the other members of the killer squad were still at large along with the weapons

He was the key suspect in the June 15 shooting incident in Katuwana, that killed two JVP supporters. Gunmen arrived in several motor bikes and opened fire indiscriminately at the crowd gathered at a pocket meeting.

Mr. Herath said he wondered who should be held responsible for bringing the police serv- ice to such ineffective levels.

"Today, the police have become helpless and are unable to apprehend culprits. Who is responsible for this situation?" he asked.

He said," Now Amare has been produced before the Magistrate. Yet, there were other members of his killer squad. None of them has been arrested.

The weapons used in the crime are with them. The police have not acted in this case. We are going to move the Supreme Court against the police in this case."Mr. Herath said the party was seeking legal advice on the matter.