Security Forces and the LTTE

According to reports, the LTTE has regularly been shelling the army camp in Batticaloa town, avoiding the civilian targets nearby. In the latest shelling this month, sixteen soldiers were injured in the camp. The army has reportedly returned fire but more randomly, affecting civilians in uncleared areas. In one village fourteen people were injured by army shelling.

South of Batticaloa recently, the LTTE reportedly attacked TELO, killing three members. Due to TELOs activities in the area (see below) this was not an unpopular move with the local population.

On Oct 8th, the LTTE reportedly hijacked a "tipper". They drove up on some policemen who were playing volleyball, and fired on them with automatic weapons. Four policemen died. The incident took place in Kalwanehikudi, on the Kallar rd to the south. This road is now blocked (there is a detour to Kallar).

Three men in the area have been arrested in connection with the Galadari hotel bombing in Colombo. The men have been taken to Colombo. Two of the three men are reportedly suspected of having, in the past, used the lorry that was used in the bombing.

The new Brigadier for the Batticaloa area is Colonel Zacky. He replaced Col. Jayasuriya in early October.

A civilian bus was blown up by a landmine at Kallar checkpoint (approx. 30km.to the south of Batticaloa) close to the army camp. This is widely believed to be the work of the security forces, in retaliation for the Galadari hotel bombing in Colombo two weeks ago.

Four soldiers were reportedly killed by paramilitary personnel recently in a village in the Valachchenai area. A few days later, 24 houses in the village were burned, allegedly by soldiers. This was alleged to be a reprisal. For days nobody was allowed to enter the village. Since then it has been deserted; its population has gone to live at two other villages in the area.

Paramilitary Groups

Paramilitary groups aligned with the army continue to harass civilians, engaging in forced recruitment of young men and boys under eighteen. TELO and PLOTE are reportedly active in this way. Sources indicate that the activity of the Racik group (a splinter group from the EPRLF) has fallen off but that Racik himself is operating as an individual. Civilians have been "disappeared" by members of at least one paramilitary group, in one case due allegedly to a personal grievance. Reports indicate that there have been fewer complaints recently about PLOTE.

According to contacts, if civilians complain to the army about the illegal actions of paramilitary groups, in some cases the army investigates and attempts to redress matters; in other cases, the army backs up or covers up the illegal actions.

Human Rights and Civilian Life

In many respects this has not changed dramatically since our last visit. The threat of shelling is a constant source of insecurity, particularly in Batticaloa town. For example some patients and personnel (including doctors) are reluctant to visit Batticaloa General Hospital at times. Our sources indicate that torture of detainees is common by the security forces and paramilitary groups. Apparently medical treatment is frequently denied to tortured detainees. No data was available on treatment of detainees by the LTTE.

From the point of view of NGOs however, there seems to be a relaxation on official restrictions to work, including travel in uncleared areas.

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Peace Brigades International.

formatted by pgordon@gn.apc.org