Call for inquiry into Madhu attack

[TamilNet, Sunday, 28 November 1999, 12:44 GMT]
The Peoples' Council for Peace and Goodwill in Jaffna has appealed to the Sri Lankan President to order an impartial inquiry into the artillery attack on Madhu church. They have requested her to publish the findings of a commission of inquiry into the attack that killed 42 innocent civilians within a limited time.

In a letter to the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, the Joint Secretaries of the Council further state:

"It is regrettable to note the inaction of the Government to protect places of religious worship during the conflict periods. Attacks by the security forces in Navaly Church, Manipay, Maviddapuram-Keerimala Naguleswaram Temple, Gurunagar St. James Church, etc are recorded history.

"Unfortunately, the government's decision to take control of the Madhu Church area using the armed forces and shifting the welfare camps outside this area, has led to the killings of the innocent civilians and wounding several hundred. Hence the various excuses given by the government is not tenable and has to be condemned as a violation of human rights.

"The Peoples' Council for Peace and Goodwill has requested the President to take preventive measures to avoid repetitions of the above nature by declaring "Peace Zone Area" near places of religious worship. This can be one step forward towards establishing peace and goodwill among all religious communities."