2ND LEAD

IDPs in Jaffna SLA detention camps require help

[TamilNet, Saturday, 07 March 2009, 17:33 GMT]
Financial and relief assistance given to civilians fleeing war in Vanni and held in the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) detention camps in Jaffna district by Sri Lanka Government and Non-government organizations are inadequate, civil society sources in Jaffna said. Jaffna Hindu Maha Sabai (JHMS) has extended an appeal to the Saiva institutions and humanitarian organizations in Jaffna peninsula to donate funds to provide the additional needs of the detainees in the camps, according to a media report signed by JHMS Secretary, S. Sakthikireepan.

In a meeting of Jaffna Hindu Maha Sabai presided by Chief Incumbent of Nallaai Aatheenam, Sreelasree Somasunthara Paramaachchaariya Suvaamikal and patron of JHMS, a motion to initiate an appeal was passed. Representatives of several Saiva organizations in Jaffna peninsula attended the meeting.

JHMS will channel the additional assistance needed by the detainees in the four detention camps through Government Agent (GA) Jaffna, the media report said.

The appeal has been extended to the Saiva Temples, Trustee Boards of Saiva temples, Saiva organizations, the public besides local and international humanitarian organizations.

More than 2,450 civilians are being held in the four SLA detention camps located in Koappaay, Kurunakar in Jaffna and in Mirusuvil and Kodikaamam in Thenmaraadchi.

Arrangements are underway to set up a fifth SLA detention camp, in the JHMS building complex located in Kaithadi, Jaffna Secretariat sources said.

Meanwhile, Saiva organizations in Jaffna peninsula are conducting non-violent demonstrations demanding the government to free the Tamils civilians in Vanni.