TNA condemns forced participation of civilians in Batticaloa paramilitary meeting

[TamilNet, Sunday, 26 October 2008, 23:47 GMT]
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in a communiqué issued Sunday, condemned the actions of paramilitary factions led by Karuna and Pillaiyan for forcibly transporting Batticaloa residents, who did not extend their support to the meeting conducted by paramilitary groups expressing solidarity with the Government of Sri Lanka, to the venue of the meeting.

The full text of the communiqué follows:

TNA strongly condemns the activities of paramilitary groups compelling Tamil civilians in Batticaloa to participate in the meeting held Sunday at Batticaloa Hindu College grounds.

A meeting was conducted Sunday by the para military factions led by Karuna and Pillayan expressing support to the military activities that are being carried forward by Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL).The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and police extended their full cooperation for this event The armed groups visiting Eechchilampattu refugee camp escorted civilians under the pretext of providing relief supplies.

Similarly people from Vaakarai, Kokkaddichchoalai, and Karadiyanaa'ru were removed by force and those refusing to accompany them were badly beaten up. Residents of Ampaa'rai district were told that they are to be provided Samurdi Relief stamps.

It is an act against the fundamental human rights of the people to forcibly take them to a meetings being held according to the agenda of GoSL. Such an action was taken to mislead the International Community at this juncture when Tamils are moving towards  the goal of achieving a political solution that leads to Independence.

We are consoled to note the protest rallies being held by the people and politicians in Tamil Nadu and the resulting wave of emotional support. TNA is also implementing several action plans throughout the countries in different continents to achieve freedom for our community.

Under such circumstances, the people in the East will not fall prey to the acts of force being committed jointly by GoSL and paramilitary groups, on false promises and favours. The people will trust the acts of GoSL attempting to mislead them. We believe that the international community is well aware of this and the GOSL too should be aware of this.

Chronology: