Assaults by security forces

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 13 October 1999, 20:21 GMT]
Several civilians were assaulted by elite commandos of the Special Task Force (STF) in Pesaalai town in the north-western district of Mannar, yesterday evening around 7.30 p.m. said sources. The STF has a base in Pesaalai.

The troops assaulted about 60 civilians passing on road with sticks and bicycle-chains the sources added.

The victims said the troops had warned them not to complain about the incident.

Meanwhile a man arrested by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has been severely assaulted during interrogation said human rights sources in the northern town.

The victim, Murukan Varathan, 32, of Puloly South, has been admitted at the Manthikai hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained, the sources added.