On 18th April 1999 at 11:44 hrs local Police commander of
Mitrovica set for a meeting with UNMIK Station Commander and discussed about an
upcoming demonstration and its security measures.
UNMIK Station Commander was
informed that health center workers intended to demonstrate at down town on 26th
April1999 at 18:30 hrs. It
was a protest against NATO bombing at Pec region which caused casualties of
clinic workers, their relatives and residents. The local Police Commander
informed that the demonstration would last for 30 minutes & will be
peaceful. The demonstrator would en-kindle candle in memory of the departed
soul. An estimated 380 resident would take part in the demonstration. They
would demand for end of bombing and a peaceful solution. The Local Police commander
informed that the leader of demonstrators promised that they would not attack
in any UNMIK or NATO compound. Local police commander intended to deploy 6
police officers for the above demonstration purpose. Local commander also
informed that 30 police officers would be reserve within 50 meters away from
the health center. UNMIK station commander arranged 3 officers for the same
purpose. But local Police commander afraid and said they might be targeted. He
request to the UNMIK commander to deploy non NATO country’s officer, and said
if the officer from Russia
or Ukraine ,
it would be best. UNMIK station commander informed that he would request KFOR
for extra patrol in the area during demonstration.
The meeting ended in a good security solution.