Dissidents blamed for Remembrance disruption
DISSIDENT republicans are being blamed for forcing the cancellation of a Remembrance Day parade in Co Londonderry yesterday.
A security operation was launched in Bellaghy, after police received information that a device was left in the village ahead of the parade.
Police said they "consulted fully with parade organisers" before the decision was made to cancel the parade while the security operation took place.
However, members from the local Royal British Legion branch who had gathered for the parade said there appeared to be little evidence of a police search for the device.
"There didn't seem to be any police officers looking for this device and from what we could see, people were going about their business as usual", said Ronnie Curry, a past Chairman of Castledawson and District RBL.
Mr Curry said there was a "sense of anger and frustration" among members over the security alert, which police said was not claimed by any organisation.
"If we had seen a police cordon, or visible searches going on, then we would have accepted the decision to cancel the parade.
"Whoever is behind this device or hoax, has ruined a very important day for very many people here in Bellaghy - they have tried to deny us our right to remember our fallen comrades."
Members of the Castledawson and District RBL did however, hold a short parade on the outskirts of Bellaghy, as the security alert continued.
Mr Curry said he would be "seeking answers from police" and was also considering contacting the police Ombudsman, over the operation.
A police spokesperson, last night, said the search operation was "still ongoing" in the village, and warned members of the public not to approach any suspicious objects, spotted in the area.
Mid-Ulster MLA Ian McCrea described the alert as "another dissident ploy to cause hurt and distress".
"I don't think there is any doubt that dissident republicans are behind this alert, which was designed to destroy such an important event", said Mr McCrea.
"Unfortunately, all they have to do is make a phonecall, and police have to take it seriously. I don't think there is any doubt over the potential for destruction which dissident republicans have."
The DUP assembly member added: "By targeting the Remembrance parade, dissident republicans are denying the fact that catholics served alongside protestants and all religions in protecting all our freedoms."
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Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
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Wind direction: North west
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