Bishop Duleep Chickera draws concern over civilian suffering due to war
In a statement put out by the Rt. Rev.
Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo, the Bishop states that the current
war in the LTTE occupied Vanni places the majority of civilians at
tremendous risk. Unarmed and trapped in this war zone, large numbers of
civilians including children are caught in the intense cross-fire of a
deadly armed confrontation. Thousands are already displaced and can flee
only to places of temporary safety.
The statement further adds that the situation faced by these civilians is
even more desperate since they cannot act independently. They are under
conflicting pressure from both sides to support their respective strategies
of movement and fear reprisals if they do not. Their dilemma adds to their
suffering.
The Bishop also points out to the fact that since both the GOSL and the LTTE
claim, they are in this war for the liberation of these very civilians it is
imperative that they jointly invite and assist the ICRC and UNHCR to set up
peace corridors and peace zones for the safety of civilians. He added that
the Bishop of Jaffna (Roman Catholic), the Rt. Rev Thomas Savundaranayagam
has already made this suggestion and it needs to be reiterated.
It goes on to say that if
for some reason these agencies are unable to intervene, then an
inter-religious group of leaders must be invited to do so.
The statement also commends the Government’s assurance that food, infant milk powder, medicine and other essential commodities are being supplied to the people of this region and requests that this process must be monitored by a senior Cabinet Minister in collaboration with the civil administration in the Vanni.
JULY / AUGUST
Protective Custody
1. Selladurai Kirishnakumar (23) of Luxman garden, Thumpalai, Point Pedro, father of three, and sole breadwinner of the family, surrendered to the Magistrate's Court of Point Pedro on 13.07.2008, as the army was seeking him. Now he is under protective custody (Case No AR 157/08).
2. Kovinthan Chandrathas (42) of Rajakiramam, Karaveddy West, Point Pedro, father of one, and sole bread winner of the family, surrendered to the Magistrate's Court of Point Pedro on 22.08.2008. As some unknown gunmen in motor bikes had entered his home while he was away and inquired about him. Now he is under protective custody (Case No AR 97/08).
3. Rajendram Karunakala (29) of Meesalai East, Meesalai, Chavakachcheri, surrendered to the Magistrate's Court of Chavakachcheri on 12.08.2008. Now she is under protective custody (Case No 8059/08). According to her, she was reporting to the army camp regularly, on 12.08.2008 an army personnel had followed her when she was returning from the camp. Besides army personnel, often, visited her house for inquiries.
4. Selladurai Thavaruban (28) of Aralli North, Aralli, Vaddukodai, surrendered to the Magistrate's Court of Mallakam on 05.08.2008 as the army was looking for him. Presently he is under protective custody (Case No 8059/08).
5. Sivapatham Sivanathan (24) of Thunnalai South, Karaveddy, Point Pedro surrendered to the Magistrate's Court of Point Pedro, as unknown gunmen entered his home and questioned his whereabouts. Now he is under protective custody (Case No AR 96/08).
6. Vaithilingam Stephan Thilak (26) of Srinaratha Road, Karaveddy West, Point Pedro, surrendered to the Magistrate's Court of Point Pedro on 05.08.2008. Now he is under protective custody (Case No AR 86/08). According to him some unknown gun men entered his house on 20.07.2008 and killed his father while he was out.
Killings
1. Two persons were shod dead near by Jaffna Kachcheri on 31.08.2008 around 2 pm. They are,
1. Kanagaratnam Narmathan (29) of Station Road, Kantharmadam, Jaffna
2. Thushyanthan Nithiyananthan (26) Brown Road, Jaffna, he recently returned to Sri Lanka (Jaffna) after completing his higher studies in Malaysia.
Arrests
Five were arrested by the Manipay Police in connection with many robberies in the Jaffna peninsula.
Dead
One dead body was found with gun shot injuries Kurunagar sea shore on 25.08.2008 in the morning
Abduction
A attempt of abduction in Jaffna town was prevented by friends on 25.08.2008 noon. A group of unknown persons tried to abduct a textile owner. But the workers and friends prevented.
Missing
1. Baskaran Koushalya (15) Thunnalai south, Karaveddy, Point Pedro was reported missing on 29.8.2008.
2. Thevasenathipathy Suganthan (26) of Theneerpuliyady, Sandilipay West, Sandilipay, unmarried and working as MOH is reported missing after he went to Ponnalai Purumal Temple on 24.08.2008. The temple is situated in the high security zone which is under the control of the Navy. Yesterday many people were allowed to go to the temple and after their identity cards were taken by Navy.
3. Murugananthan (33) of Sandilipay West, Sandilipay, is also reported missing after he went to the above temple on 24.08.2008
New Tactics in Human Rights - Tamil
Tamil handbook ‘New Tactics in Human Rights’ consists of 25 new tactics in human rights and is ideal CBOs and NGOs working in North-East and up country plantation sector. The handbook is available at the CHRD office in Colombo.
CHRD’s annual publication Sentinel focuses, though not exclusively, on civil and political rights as well as the economic, social and cultural rights of the people of Sri Lanka. It also recounts the performance of the institution as well as period reviewed. We welcome comments and contributions from readers in order to develop Sentinel further. Articles of relevance and or suggestions to enhance activities of CHRD are equally valued. Click here to learn more
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