Activists say Tigers underminig human rights in the north and east

Intelectuals for Human Rights (IHR) said the democracy and human rights should be a fundamental and essential part of the life in theregion in order to establish normalcy.

The IHR called on all parties to stop all activities that would hinder civilian life in north and the east.

Threats to Jaffna VC

The forum expressed regret that Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole, Vice Chancellor of Jaffna University, had to leave the country due to alleged threats by Tamil Tigers.

“He couldn’t even travel to Jaffna as a certain terrorist group opposed his views and his religious beliefs,” Secretary on civil and political rights Dr. Kapila Perera told journalists in Colombo.

He (Prof. Hoole) couldn’t even travel to Jaffna as a certain terrorist group opposed his views and his religious beliefs Dr. Kapila Perera

He said Tamil Tigers were behind the threats using different organisations.

The activists condemned killing civilians by both parties including that of killing over 13 civilians in Kayts Island last week.

Dr. NGA Kaunathilake urged the international community to exert pressure on the Tigers to come back to the negotiating table as the “LTTE left the negotiations without a justifiable reason”.

IHR said the people are not allowed express their opinions freely in the region.

Secretary on humanitarian law Raja Gunaratne said both warring parties are abide by the international law to safeguard human rights including freedom of expression.