EPDP protests rights violations

[TamilNet, Thursday, 19 August 1999, 23:01 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army's co-ordinating office in Mannar yesterday said sixteen youths have been detained by the Sri Lankan security forces under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in the north-western district during the period between August 1 and 15.

They were arrested in the villages of Murunkan, Pallimunai, Uyilankulam, Vangaalai Naanaddan during search operations said the monthly report issued by the SLA.

The report further said 16 others have been detained during the period between June 21 and July 29.

Meanwhile Douglas Devananda, the leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) said the Sri Lankan security forces should immediately stop arbitrary arrests and harassment of Tamil youth in the Batticaloa district.

In an urgent message to the Sri Lanka President Chandrika Kumaratunge, the EPDP leader urged her to take steps to stop this.

Human rights activists commenting on Devananda's message said however that armed cadres from the EPDP operate alongside the Sri Lankan security forces in Jaffna, where they have also been accused of human rights violations.