The HRC appealed for UN assistance after an accused in the Krishanthy Kumarasamy murder case revealed that 400 bodies of Tamils killed in Army custody were buried in Chemmani. The government’s delay to investigate has given rise to suspicions and led to demonstrations in Jaffna.
In a petition to Mary Robinson, the Jaffna-based Guardian Association for Persons Arrested and Disappeared says that unidentified persons are active in the Chemmani area in the nights, and has expressed fears that destruction of evidence of the mass graves is in progress. There is also concern that the approaching monsoon may flood the gravesites and make investigation impossible.
Parents and relatives of the disappeared have expressed doubts about HRC’s ability to initiate an investigation, alleging that the Commission is not independent. Following HRC advice, a habeas corpus application was filed in Jaffna courts by Chavakachcheri resident V Selvarasa, whose son S Prabhakaran, 25, disappeared after the Army arrested him on 31 July 1996.
The Army arrested Gurunagar resident GA Gunasekaram, 26, on 9 September and his body was handed over to the Jaffna hospital, alleging that he committed suicide. The Jaffna magistrate ordered the arrest of two soldiers and exhumation of Mr Gunasekaram’s body. Five other soldiers are in detention following the death of S Uthayakumar in custody. Over 5,000 people were rounded-up at Chankanai, six miles north of Jaffna town, on 26 September, and questioned at a school. Reports say several people were detained.
Clashes between the Army and Tamil group PLOTE, on 22 September at Chavakachcheri heightened tension. PLOTE has been taking part in military operations with the Army against the LTTE for many years. The fighting followed the death of a soldier in a landmine attack near the PLOTE office. A soldier was shot dead by PLOTE cadre and another wounded.
The Army arrested vegetable vendor Selvarasa Dharmes, suspecting him to be a PLOTE member. His bullet-riddled body was later handed over to the Jaffna hospital. PLOTE says three of its members are missing. Soldiers also shot dead Selvam Nandakumar, a member EPDP, another Army ally. EPDP has threatened that all its local councillors in Jaffna will resign over the incident. Meanwhile, the LTTE has issued fresh warnings to all local councillors against collaboration with the government.