TNA writes to PM on Trinco violence

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 16 October 2002, 21:11 GMT]
Tamil National Alliance MP, Mr.R.Sampanthan Tuesday said that the lives of three Tamil civilians who died in the grenade attack last week in Trincomalee, might have been saved had the attackers not prevented two ambulances, one bringing medical officers and the other dispatched from Muttur, from reaching the injured. In a fax sent to the Prime Minister the MP said, "the deliberate inaction of the Police contributed to this tragedy."

Excerpts from Mr. Sampanthan letter to the Prime Minister follow:

"Tense situation developed in three places at Thirukdaloor close to Srimapura, at the entrance to Anpuvallipuram close to Abeyapura and at Linganagar close to Mudcove during the hartal observed by the Tamils on Friday October 11th in support and sympathy with the Tamils who had been killed and injured at Kanchirankuda in Thirukovil.

"All those who were killed or injured are Tamils. No Sinhalese has been killed or injured; Certainly no Sinhalese was admitted to hospital. This conclusively establishes that violence was unleashed only against the Tamils. Two police constables and a police officer sustained minor injuries during the violence.

"It is deplorable that some sections of the media, including the Government Media and statements made by personalities on behalf of the government, are attempting to sweep the truth under the carpet and present a distorted picture. This is unacceptable and could cause irreparable damage to the peace process.

"Medical testimony has established that grenades and firearms have been used against the Tamil people. Several witnesses are able to identify the police personnel and home guards who were involved and this was communicated to the Interior Minister John Amaratunge who visited the injured at the general hospital Impartial investigations will definitely bring out the truth. The culprits found guilty of committing grave crimes, should be brought before the law. I am not satisfied that this is being done at present.

"It is clear that a police force which is more than 95% Sinhala and Armed Forces who are more that 99% Sinhala will never treat the Tamils equally nor justly. It is imperative that Tamil security personnel should play an active role in ensuring the security of the Tamil people.

"I proposed to the Interior Minister that two hundred Tamil personnel be immediately recruited to the police and auxiliary forces to provide security to the Tamils in places like Thirukdaloor, Anpuvallipuram, Linganagar and other areas in the Trincomalee town and its suburbs. The minister and others present with him were very receptive to my suggestion, and the minister undertook to pursue this with you. I have to earnestly request you take action on this matter. This may have to be expanded other areas in due course. A mono-ethnic (Sinhala) armed forces or police force is not just acceptable in a district like Trincomalee.

"I strongly suspect that there is a deliberate attempt by some elements to disrupt the peace process. Effective action needs to be taken immediately to ensure that these evil elements do not succeed."