KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) in response to the declaration of Mount Salem and its environs in parish of St James as the first special operations zone (ZOSO) says it has activated a telephone line for people to report any abuse by the security forces.  

The opposition said the phone line (876)361-ZOSO or 361-9676 will be activated on Monday, September 4.

The PNP said it will be monitoring all areas of special operations for abuse, and to determine the effectiveness of the move, both from a security and a social intervention stand point, which will be shared, as warranted, with the public.

 “We expect, as the Act provides, that the rights of residents in this defined area of special operations will not be breached and that law-abiding citizens will be afforded free movements for the duration of the 60 days, in the first instance,” the PNP stated.

The Opposition also urged that that with schools opening in a few days, special attention should be given to the movement and safety of children and parents, adding that residents  should provide the necessary information to the security forces to advance the fight against crime.

The Special Zones of Operation (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill passed in the Parliament in July and was activated by Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday.