STF accused of sexual abuses in Ampaarai District

[TamilNet, Friday, 07 March 2008, 14:37 GMT]
The Special Task Force Commandos of Sri Lanka Army (SLA) are illegally entering into the residences in Akkaraippattu, Aalaiyadiveambu areas in Ampaarai district during night hours, and sexually abusing female residents, affected civilians in Ampaa'rai said.

STF commandos are alleged to have recently intruded into atleast 50 homes in these villages and abused the women in three residences. The affected civilians unable to expose the atrocities committed by STF have sent their daughters to distant areas such as Kalmunai and Batticaloa, civil society sources said.

Meanwhile, STF sources refuting the allegations accuse unidentified armed groups perpetrating the sex crimes and said that so far they have received only two complaints.

The STF commanders are currently involved in conducting meeting at the various temples denying any involvement in such acts. They also have guaranteed the area civilians that such acts will not happen in the future.

An informed resident in the area referring to these sexual abuses said that on 19 February morning 6:00a.m. a police officer employed in Batticaloa district was gunned down by unidentified armed men along Community Centre road in Aalayadiveambu. In the aftermath of this killing all residents of 19 Grama Sevaka (GS) Divisions, including Government officials, Principals of Schools, teachers were rounded up and detained in three schools from 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.. The detainees were denied of food and water, he added.

Civilians numbering more than 12,000 were video taped by STF commandos and were paraded before masked men. In addition, STF commandos made detailed inquiries regarding the members of every household.

STF was specifically targeting young girls under the care of their widowed mothers and young women who have lost their husbands, residents complained.