SLA in Thenmaraadchi refuses travel permits to residents

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 04 March 2008, 14:27 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Civil Administration Authorities in Thenmaraadchi area are refusing to issue travel permits to residents to travel out of Jaffna peninsula for urgent and essential purposes, according to complaints made to Jaffna Human Rights Commission (HRC), Tuesday.

The complainants are from places in Thenmaraadchi including Meesaalai, Kachchaai and Kodikaamam.

A few who approached the HRC for help were able to get the travel permits after the HRC officials spoke to the SLA office on behalf of the applicants, affected residents said.

Residents in Jaffna peninsula wishing to leave the peninsula have to travel either by ship or plane after the SLA closure of A9 land route.

The travel permit issued by the SLA is a prerequisite to such travel out of the peninsula.

SLA Civil Administration Offices located in each area in the peninsula issue these travel permits.

Most of the persons seeking HRC protection due to death threats by SLA troops and SLA-backed paramilitary men are from Thenmaraadchi area.