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The Central Committee of the Ulster Bands Association would like to
express their utter disgust and anger at the reprehensible sectarian
attack on three separate band buses as they merely travelled along the
Melmount Road in Strabane en route to another town last Friday evening.
At approximately 8.30pm as the three bands made their way from Limavady to
a competition in Newtownstewart they were bombarded with bricks and other
objects from both sides of the road. Over 30 youths were involved, most
wearing Celtic tops and green, white and gold scarves to conceal their
identity.
One bus driver was struck on the head by half a brick as it came through
his front window. He was subsequently treated in hospital for blurred
vision and possible concussion. Two other passengers were also injured, of
which one had a serious cut to the head that was treated in hospital.
Given that the assailants had their weapons (mostly broken bricks) stacked
up at the roadside, it is plain to see that it was planned well in
advance.
This type of orchestrated attack by Nationalists is nothing new to our
members, yet their remains no effort from the RUC to protect buses or
increase their presence in the area.
As can be seen, the damage to the buses was extensive and those on board
can count themselves extremely fortunate to escape without serious injury.
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Damage to two buses after Strabane republicans
showed their true colours |
The RUC and most sections of the media have
persistently treated attacks such as this as insignificant. This must
change before a fatal injury does occur. However the ultimate
responsibility lies squarely at the feet of those nationalist political
representatives who hold sway in the Strabane area.
It must be said however that the scenes of violence in Strabane were in
complete contrast to that in Newtownstewart where both Protestants and
Catholics mingled together to enjoy the parade.
Later that evening, after the parade, a senior member of the Ulster Bands
Association witnessed in the region of 50 youths and older men openly
armed with weapons such as hurling sticks 'patrolling' the Melmount Road.
Nowhere did that person witness any police presence.
Furthermore, not only was this an unprovoked attack upon band members and
their followers, of which most were women and children, it was a case of
unjustifiable vandalism on bus and coach companies who provide a service
for the WHOLE community.
In closing, this incident must be clearly seen for what it was, a vicious
assault by nationalists thugs blinded by bigotry and visibly determined to
injure ANY Protestant who has the audacity to openly express their
cultural identity through the membership of a Marching Band.
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