HRC begins inquiry into Jaffna disappearances

[TamilNet, Saturday, 25 January 2003, 01:10 GMT]
A committee of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRC) Friday commenced its inquiry into the alleged disappearance of more than six hundred persons after being arrested by the Sri Lanka Army during 1996-1997, sources said.

Fifty-four persons who are relatives of the disappeared persons gave evidence before the committee headed by Mr.Devanesan Nesiah Thursday held at Jaffna HRC regional office. Mr. Camillus Fernando and Ms Jaseema Ismail were also present at the inquiry, Jaffna Missing Persons Guardian Association (MPGA) sources said.

The committee will hold its sitting at Chavakachcheri in Thenmaradchchi division Saturday and Sunday at Hindu College in the area, sources said

Mr.M.C.M.Iqbal , Secretary of the committee assisted in recording the evidence of the witnesses. Representatives of the JMPGA and Mothers Front were also present, sources said.

Amnesty International said in 1997 that as many as 600 people who "disappeared" in the Jaffna peninsula after the Sri Lankan Army moved into the area in 1996, "died under torture or been deliberately killed."

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