Decline in abduction complaints in North
 

RASHOMI Silva

JAFFNA: The Human Rights Commission's Jaffna office has voiced its concern over the human rights situation in the peninsula with reports of abductions and harassment on the rise.

However, a clear decline in complaints was observed following the announcement of peace talks dates.

Rohitha Priyadarshana, the Regional Coordinator of the Commission said the situation was improving. "It used to be very tense, but now we can see a clear decline in the complaints we are receiving," he said.

"Immediately after the dates for peace talks were announced we saw a decline," Priyadarshana said. "This month we had received only eight complaints compared to 53 abductions of last month," he added.

He said there was clear evidence about the perpetrators in certain cases, but in other cases eyewitness decline to give evidences on grounds of personal security.

The Commission said 100 abductions were reported in last two months, out of which 39 were being traced. Officials declined to give further details as the investigations are still going on.

Commenting on the alleged Right violations by the Security Forces, military spokesperson Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe said that the Army would extend its fullest support and cooperation to carry out investigations.

"We have made it clear to the Rights Commission that we would do everything possible to help them in their investigations," he said.

"There are several groups operating in North-East. We should not jump into conclusions before the investigations are over," he said. However he asserted that Army would not only cooperate in the investigations but also to take strict disciplinary action against any one found guilty.

Jaffna Security Forces commander Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri in a statement said that civilians should direct their complaints to 021- 2229693 and 021-2222271.