Over night disappearances of people in the camps on an increase

Reports from ID camps in Vavuniya states the over night disappearances of people in the camps, was on an increase. People in the camps say this was part of the filtering operation carried out by the forces. Sources say these operations has almost been completed in Kadirgamar camp and Anandakumaraswamy camp. However, over night evacuation of people as part of the filtering process was continuing in the Arrunasalam and other camps.

Forces have been urging those connected with the LTTE to surrender or face the consequence of not getting a pardo. Families of many individuals say those who surrendered to the forces have disappeared and did not return to the camp.

They went on to add this has been informed to Non‐governmental organisations and they were not aware as to where these surrendered people were being taken. According to information from Non‐governmental organisations and the public, families of the disappeared people were in severe distress not aware of whether those taken away by the forces were still alive.

It is pointed out those who surrendered to the forces include people who never fought in the battlefield but employed to work with LTTE affiliated organisations. It is further stated the restriction imposed on Non‐governmental organisations in to these camps could be due to these actions taken by the forces.

Family members of those who have gone to complain about the disappearances after being announced of a general amnesty say, they were asked to return but those kept in custody keep disappearing.