Injured Students Still In Anguish
The Independent (Banjul)
June 9, 2000
By Sulayman Makalo

Banjul - Five students who were injured during the student demonstration are still reportedly in anguish.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Lamin Touray an amputee told The Independent that it was 'very disappointing' for soldiers 'with a difference' to use live ammunition on innocent and defenseless students. The soldiers he went on were testing their ability to fire on their targets but said it is a shame that students were singled out in the exercise.

He noted that the soldiers were cowards in real combat with the armed enemy. To mark his point he said that the 2nd infantry battalion in Farafenni was dislodged during a rebel attack, causing soldiers to flee. Some among the soldiers removed their uniforms so as not to be recognised by their attackers he claimed.

He stressed that students are baffled about their future because the government does not care about them. He said that for three weeks no government authority had paid them a visit. He described the report and statement from the Government concerning the demonstrations as 'monotonous.' He said their wounds would be relieved by the will of God but noted that 'their hearts will never be at ease.'

One middle-aged man who preferred anonymity said the remaining injured students are still in critical condition. He revealed that arrangements are underway to transfer Lamin Senghore of Essau Senior Secondary one of the injured students to Egypt for treatment.


culled from The Independent.
Ziz
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