3 bodies bearing torture marks washed ashore in December

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 26 December 2007, 14:38 GMT]
Three corpses with signs of severe torture and in a decomposed state found washed ashore during December alone along the coasts of Vadamaraadchi east and Mullaiththeevu areas have created a climate of fear among the fishermen and residents of littoral villages in Vadamaraadchy east, the General Manger of Vadamaraadchi east Fisheries Societies Federation said.

The last corpse found without its head and legs bound with blue nylon rope indicate signs of torture before being killed. The persons gone missing in Sri Lanka Army (SLA) controlled areas are tortured, killed and dumped in the sea, alleged Sivathas, a fisherman in Vadamaraadchi east.

The first corpse was found washed ashore 4 December along the coast of Vadamaraadchi east by local residents.

The second corpse washed ashore on 16 December on Chemmalai beach was decapitated with both legs cut off at the knees. Tamileelam Police visited the site and conducted investigations.

Tamileelam Police on coastal patrol found a body in a decomposed state 21 December at Vadamaraadchi east sea shore. This corpse found covered by sand due to strong waves had both legs bound by blue nylon rope while the upper parts above its chest were missing.

The corpses may belong to Tamil civilians abducted by SLA troops and SLA-backed paramilitaries in Jaffna peninsula and other areas. The victims are subjected to torture before being killed, and then dumped into the seas by the abductors.