Magistrate demands swift end to Chemmani probe

[TamilNet, Monday, 24 January 2000, 19:20 GMT]
The Jaffna Additional Magistrate has instructed the government to complete the investigations and the identification of human skeletons recovered from Chemmani grave as early as possible.

Mr M.Ilancheliyan called for a speedy resumption of the Chemmani probe when the State Counsel Yasantha Kottegoda made an application to postpone the inquiry for another six weeks.

The inquiry into the Chemmani mass grave exhumation resumed today in Jaffna Magistrate's Court.

Refusing the application made by the State, the Additional Magistrate said that he would allow only one month's time for the police to complete the investigation and to identify the human skeletons recovered from Chemmani grave.

The Additional Magistrate ordered the State to complete the investigation and the identification of the human skeletons recovered before February 21.

In support of his application for an extension to complete the investigation, the State Counsel argued that due to the present unsettled condition in Jaffna district people were displaced and living in other areas. Therefore, it could take longer to complete the investigations.

Furthermore, it was unable to take steps to arrest the suspects.

The State Counsel further said that up to November 1999 statements from about 336 persons were recorded.

Attorneys appearing on behalf of the missing persons objected to the application made by the State asking for six weeks to complete the investigations in the Chemmani massacre.

The Additional Magistrate in his order, refused the application made by the State Counsel, saying investigations in this case should be completed before February 21.

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