27.12.2007
Sri
Lanka sent a crack commando unit into the state-run television
station Thursday to rescue a government minister kidnapped
by journalists for allegedly assaulting a colleague, officials
told AFP.
An
anti-hijacking and hostage rescue squad of army commandos
was already at the Rupavahini state television network
to free Labour Minister Mervin Silva who had allegedly
stormed the studios and attacked journalists, officials
said.
"The
minister is being held in an office by the staff,"
the television said in a statement broadcast while interrupting
their regular programming.
Witnesses
said the commandos were at the premises to take action
if ongoing negotiations with the rebel employees failed
to secure the release of the minister and his team.
Police announced over the television that they "arrested"
Silva's son who had taken part in the alleged assault
and urged employees to remain calm.
Silva's
son had earlier been ordered by court to stay away from
night clubs after several brawls.
The
state broadcaster showed footage of Silva's son being
escorted out of a room surrounded by uniformed police
as employees booed and punched the air with their fists.
Police
and politicians were shouted down as media minister Lakshman
Yapa tried to pacify the employees. Minister Yapa condemned
Silva's storming of the station and assaulting journalists.
The
state television said Silva had taken exception to the
station not broadcasting a speech he made at a public
rally attended by President Mahinda Rajapakse in the south
of the island on Wednesday.
The
unprecedented live coverage of the kidnapping by Rupavahini
was the first such unrest at the station since its inception
in 1982.
Courtesy - NineMSN