Persons detained under PTA to be released after investigations - Minister

Chaminda Perera

Justice Minister V. Puthrasigamony yesterday said persons who have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) would be released after investigations into them are completed by the Terrorism Investigation Department.

He said the Ministry is in the process of expediting the release of these detainees by having an interactive dialogue with the Attorney General , TID officials and other stakeholders.

"We meet the Attorney General., TID officials and law enforcement authorities every month to work out a mechanism to expedite their release. The main snag is that their cases are very very different, he said.

The Minister said there are over 631 persons who are allegedly involved in terrorist activities and the Terrorist Investigation Department is still conducting investigations into them.

The Minister said these detainees will be released after the investigation into them is completed by the TID.

"Their cases are very different and some detainees are facing trials in courts" , the Minister said.

He said the relatives of these detainees are demanding their early release as the Army deserters were released enmasse.

The members of Security Forces were remanded for not reporting to duty. But these persons have been detained for reasons of aiding and abetting terrorism and there is complete disparity between these two segments and any attempt to similarise them cannot be accepted.