Jaffna, Colombo register highest in civilians deaths, disappearances, says NESoHR

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 06 August 2008, 06:17 GMT]
A total of 38 civilians were killed, 42 disappeared in July, with Jaffna accounting for the highest number of killings (14), and Colombo registering the highest number of disappearances (12), said a report released Monday by the NorthEast Secretariat on Human Rights (NESoHR), a Kilinochchi-based rights group.

The report said that the humanitarian agencies in Vanni are struggling to cope attending to the large scale displacement of civilians taking place, as blockades imposed by the Sri Lanka Government in bringing in relief supplies compounded the difficulties related to dealing with sudden increase in numbers.

Many students taking GCE(A/L) examinations are still living under trees, the report said.

Kilinochchi district is experiencing shortage in medical supplies including asthma and diabetes medicines, surgical spirits, gauge rolls and bandages, the report said. Nutritional food for pregnant mothers, lactating mothers and pre-school children are also experiencing shortages, the report added.