Newry Republican Youth

"NEVER WILL THEY LABEL OUR LIBERATION STRUGGLE AS CRIMINAL"

ARMED INSURGENTS TAKE CONTROL OF SOUTH ARMAGH VILLAGE

 
 
Last Friday night between 8 and 12 armed Republicans took control of Meigh village in South Armagh. They entered the main pub in the village and distributed leaflets warning people against collaborating with the enemy, they also warned people against giving information to Provisional Sinn Fein. The leaflet also stated that people involved in drug dealing would be dealt with.

The Volunteers then set up a checkpoint on the main street in the village, the volunteers were armed with rifles including AK47 assault rifles and a rocket launcher.

There are also people claiming that a volley of shots was fired in the air.

Local people have claimed that an RUC/PSNI patrol car was driving towards the checkpoint totally unaware of what was ahead, on seeing the ASU they braked sharply and reversed at speed back the way they came.

I'm sure people are asking why this has happened. Why has it got to this stage were armed Republicans have to take to the streets to defend the communities fron drug dealers. Is it because the RUC/PSNI have failed to tackle this issue?

Over the past while similar things have happened in various areas, in South Fermanagh for example it was announced by the RUC/PSNI that they can't go out on patrol in the area unless they go in a helicopter, this means that in a way it is a "no go zone" for the crown forces.

To me it seems that more and more people are losing faith in the police force that they were told would change. How could someone ring the cops and give info about a dug dealer when there is a good chance that the drug dealer is on the RUC/PSNI payroll?
 
Where these Republicans showing the community that there is an alternative to the RUC/PSNI?

If this action helps put a stop to drug dealing and anti-social behaviour then thats good and well. At least someones doing something.

Attack on home of Newry DPP member

Attack on home of Newry DPP member

Published: 19 December, 2008

Provisional Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy has condemned the overnight attack on the home of Independent Newry and Mourne District Policing Partnership member Annette Hughes.

There was an attempt to set fire to the house and significant scorch damage and damage to machinery as well as graffiti.

Commenting on the attack Mr Murphy said:

"This was a disgraceful attack on an Independent member of the local DPP who is working hard to hold the police to account and ensure that the local community get the policing that people demand.

"There is a tiny criminal minority within the area who are opposed to the delivery of effective and accountable policing."

Annette Hughes added:

"I will not be deflected from standing up for the right of people in this community to proper policing.

"There are a small number of people who clearly see this as a threat.

"Given the past experiences of people within this community of bad and partisan policing it is essential that the progress being achieved is not undermined by the actions of a few thugs who care nothing for local people."

Drumintee Provisional Sinn Féin Councillor Packie McDonald,

"I am sure that this cowardly attack will not deter anyone on the DPP from continuing to work to achieve truly accountable policing for the people of South Armagh."

In the News

Minister told of loyalist threat

Conor Murphy - PA
Conor Murphy said police told him of the threat

Regional Development Micro- Minister Conor Murphy has said he has been told of an attempt to murder him at the weekend.

The Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MP said police told him loyalist paramilitaries calling themselves the Orange Volunteers were behind the attempt.

He said he was told the group claimed to have carried out the murder bid "over the weekend in the Newry area".

The police said they "do not comment on the personal security arrangements of individuals".

"Where we become aware that someone needs to review their security we take steps to inform them immediately. We never ignore anything that would put anyone at risk," a spokesman said.

Mr Murphy said that as a "long-time" member of Sinn Féin he was used to such threats, but added that it was an issue of concern for his family.

"This is part and parcel of being involved with Sinn Féin," he said.

"Unfortunately for too many of our members it has cost them their lives and I think we are always conscious of that."

 

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