transcurrents

UTHR (J) says LTTE staged TRO abduction drama

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj 

The University Teachers for Human Rights (Jaffna) has alleged that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) organization has faked the alleged abduction of seven Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) personnel at Welikande on the Batticaloa – Polonnaruwa border in two separate incidents on Jan 29th and 30th of this year.

The UTHR (J) in the special report No 20 released on April 2nd titled “Terrorism, Counterterrorism and Challenges to Human Rights Advocacy” has cited sources close to family members of one abducted person saying that the LTTE has told them not to worry as the missing persons were safe with the LTTE.

The UTHR report refers to the TRO abduction incident in the following manner – ” An example of the resulting anarchy is the alleged abduction of 10 TROworkers in the Batticaloa District about the end of January (first two and then reportedly another released). The facts around these abductions remained murky and appeared on the surface a complex plot involving several actors, with the connivance of the state security apparatus at local level.”

” But now UTHR(J) can confirm that the TRO abduction drama was staged by the LTTE immediately before the Geneva meeting to force the paramilitary issue to the forefront of the talks. According to a reliable source close to a family member of an abducted TRO employee, the family was assured that he is safe and not to worry, as all the abductees are safe with the LTTE. But the family was warned not to leak this information. ”

” Further, we understand that the release of 3 abductees along with rumours that some of the abductors spoke Hindi was also calculated to point the finger of blame at the Karuna faction (which is aligned to the ENDLF). This was meant to detract from the Government’s insistence that the abductions were the work of the LTTE. The released abductees were forced to relate a story implicating the security forces and the Karuna group.”

” This also explains LTTE fronts quickly becoming silent in demanding the release of the TRO abductees. We withhold further 
information on the ordeal of family members and other information which led us to our finding for the sake of the safety of the families. But in the interests of peace and accountably, this information needs to be brought into the open.”

While the UTHR charges that the TRO abduction was a LTTE drama the TRO and various other pro – tiger organizations have continued to agitate for the release of the abducted persons. Instead of being silent on the issue a series of staggered protest demonstrations urging the release are currently underway in many areas of the North – East.

The State , security apparatus and sections of the media have been sceptical of the abduction from the time it was announced by the TRO. There have been overt and covert allegations that it was a “stagemanaged operation” by the LTTE to draw place the Government in an embarassing position during the Geneva talks.

The LTTE and pro – LTTE elements have refuted this accusation and continued to insist that the Karuna faction in association with the security forces were responsible for the abduction. They have campaigned continuously for the release of the abducted people.

The UTHR (J) assertion that the TRO personnel were not really abducted and that the LTTE staged the drama for propaganda mileage is very likely to strengthen the stance adopted by those doubting the bona fides of the entire incident. Likewise LTTE and pro – LTTE circles are likely to criticise the UTHR (J) report severely and accuse the organization as done earlier of working against “Tamil Nationalism”.

The reputed and highly credible human rights organization Amnesty International issued an urgent action release on March 10th expressing concern over the safety and possible “disappearance “of the abducted persons. The AI release is reproduced here in full -

Sri Lanka: Fear for Safety/ possible “disappearance”

PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 37/007/2006  
10 March 2006 
 
UA 55/06 Fear for Safety/ possible “disappearance”  
 
SRI LANKA Kasinathar Ganeshalingam (m), aged 50, Director of the Tamils  
Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) and Co-ordinator of Pre-School Education  
Development Centre, North-East Province  
Kathirkamar Thangarasa (m), aged 43, TRO Driver 
Thanuskody Premini (f), aged 25, Chief Accountant for TRO in Batticaloa town  
and Student 
Shanmuganathan Sujendram (m), TRO Accountant, Mankikkavasar Children’s  
Home 
Thambiraja Vasantharajan (m), TRO Accountant, Batticaloa 
Kailayapillai Ravindran (m), aged 26, TRO Accountant, Vipulananda Children’s  
Home 
Arunesarasa Satheesharan (m), TRO Accounts Trainee, Vellavali 
 
“Kasinathar Ganeshalingam, Kathirkamar Thangarasa, Thanuskody Premini,  
Shanmuganathan Sujendram, Thambiraja Vasantharajan, Kailayapillai Ravindran and  
Arunesarasa Satheesharan, all employees of the Tamil relief and development  
charity, Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), were abducted in two  
separate incidents in late January 2006 in eastern Sri Lanka. It is feared that  
they may have “disappeared” and there are grave concerns for their safety.  
 
On 29 January, Kasinathar Ganeshalingam, Kathirkamar Thangarasa and three  
female TRO employees were driving from the town of Batticaloa in eastern Sri  
Lanka, on their way north to the TRO headquarters in the town of Kilinochchi in  
northern Sri Lanka. According to two TRO workers who were later released, at  
about 8pm they saw a white Toyota Hi-Ace van following their vehicle. They were  
stopped and subjected to checks at the Sri Lanka Army checkpoint at Welikanda,  
on the borders of Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts, and saw the white van  
parked behind their vehicle. When they moved a short distance from the  
checkpoint, the white Hi-Ace van came behind them, overtook their vehicle and  
stopped them. An unknown number of armed men got out of the van and assaulted  
both Kasinathar Ganeshalingam and the driver, Kathirkamar Thangarasa, tied them  
up and dumped them in the back of the TRO vehicle. The TRO vehicle was then  
driven for about three hours and finally stopped at a camp in a jungle area at  
about 11.30pm. The five TRO staff members were held overnight in the camp. The  
women, who were reportedly held separately from their male colleagues, claim  
that they heard the two men being beaten by their captors. The following  
evening at around 9pm, two female staff members, Punniyamoorthy Nadeswari and  
Sithiravel Sivamathi, were released, taken to the nearest main road and put on  
a bus by their abductors, who warned them not to speak to anyone about what had  
occurred. A third female TRO staff member, S Dosini, was released later.  
However, Kasinathar Ganeshalingam and the driver, Kathirkamar Thangarasa, are  
still missing. 
 
Five more TRO employees apparently “disappeared” on 30 January in similar  
circumstances in the same area. At 4pm, 15 TRO staff members were travelling  
from the organization’s Batticaloa District office to the town of Vavuniya to  
attend a training session, when their way was blocked by a white van  
approximately 100 metres after the Sri Lanka Army checkpoint at Welikanda.  
According to those who were later released, the white van had previously been  
following them. Five armed Tamil-speaking men, aged between 20 and 25,  
reportedly got out of the white van and boarded the TRO vehicle. One of them  
dragged the driver out of his seat and then drove the vehicle to a jungle area.  
All 15 of the captives were then blindfolded. Thanuskody Premini,  
Shanmuganathan Sujendram, Thambiraja Vasantharajan, Kailayapillai Ravindran and  
Arunesarasa Satheesharan were removed from the TRO vehicle and the remaining 10  
were taken back to the main road and released. The released TRO workers  
reported that when one of the abductors shouted out that there was a police  
jeep ahead, another of the abductors replied that this would not present a  
problem to them. Before the 10 TRO staff members were released, they were told  
by the abductors that they should prepare the funeral rites for the five  
remaining abductees. 
 
The TRO has stated that it has filed police reports with the Batticaloa Police  
Station and some of the relatives of those missing have attempted to file  
police reports. Police took statements from the two young women who were  
released, who were kept overnight at the police station in Batticaloa. The  
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also investigated and took statements  
from the two women but have not to date made their findings public. The TRO  
staff have continued to cooperate with the authorities and the NHRC. 
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
 
The government and the LTTE met to discuss the implementation of the cease-fire  
in Geneva on 22 and 23 February. The abductions of the TRO workers, which took  
place shortly after the two sides had agreed to meet, were interpreted by some  
as an attempt to derail this renewed effort to put the peace process back on  
track. However, the talks in Geneva went ahead as planned and both parties  
reiterated their commitment to respect the cease-fire agreement. They agreed to  
meet again in Geneva from 19 to 21 April. 
 
The TRO is seen as being closely affiliated with the LTTE. However, it is a  
legally registered Sri Lankan charity and its mission is to provide much needed  
relief, rehabilitation and development for the people of the northeast of Sri  
Lanka. ”

The TRO has also complained earlier about harassment of the returned abductees by the Police. The organization also strongly denied accusations by cabinet ministers Mangala Samaraweera and Priyadharshana Yapa that the TRO was not cooperating with the authorities on the matter. The TRO press release issued on Feb 10th on this subject is reproduced here in full -

“TRO would like to categorically state that it is cooperating fully with all Government of Sri Lanka institutions investigating the abduction of TRO/PSEDC staff.

It is with great dismay and concern that we have read the statements in the media from the Hon. Foreign Minister Managla Samaraweera and the Hon. Cabinet Spokesman Information and Media Ministers Anura Priyadharshana Yapa that the “TRO is not helping with these ongoing investigations.”

TRO has continuously sought out the assistance and urged the Police to investigate this matter fully and professionally. Unfortunately, there seems to a dearth of communication, expertise and professionalism within the police force and between the police, other institutions and the public.

TRO has documented proof of having filed police reports by TRO personnel or facilitating the filing by those victims/witnesses released or their familes (see www.troonline.org for scanned copies documents):

• Batticaloa Police Station was notified 30/2/06 via telephone at approximately 22:00 hrs by TRO of the abductions.
• Batticaloa Police Station at 11:00 am on 31 January 2006 report filed by TRO
• Arjunan Ethirveerasingam petitions Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe and IGP Fernando to investigate – assurances are given and contact details for TRO are given to the Minister and IGP.
• Interview/statement taken by C.I.D. at Colombo Office on 31/2/06.
• Welikanda on 1 February police report filed by two of the women abducted on Monday (they were released 2 hours after being abducted). TRO Batticaloa Director and SLMM accompanied them.
• Welikanda on 1 February filed by 2 of the mothers of those still being held. TRO Batticaloa Director and SLMM accompanied them
• Vavuniya on 1 February filed by the brother of Ms. Premini. (He is a resident of Vavuniya).
• Batticaloa on Thursday 2 February the 2 pre school teachers Ms. Punniyamoorththy Nadeswari (19 years old) & Ms. Siththiravel Sivamathi (18 years old) who had been abducted on 29 January voluntarily presented themselves at the Batticaloa Police Station at great personal risk to enter a police report and be interviewed. TRO Colombo and TRO Batticaloa facilitated this interview and solicited the services of the Non-Violent Peace Force to accompany the women and TRO personnel to the police station.

The two pre school teachers were detained against their will over night by the Batticaloa Police (23 hours: 15:30 February 2 – 14:30 February 3, 2006) after which they were taken to the hospital (for undisclosed reasons) and then to the courts. This illegal detention of the victims of a crime when they have come forward voluntarily to give evidence is a blatant violation of their fundamental human rights. Such treatment of victims/witnesses by the police may be the reason why some of the other victims/witness have not come forward

• Ms. Punniyamoorththy Nadeswari & Ms. Siththiravel Sivamathi testified before the Human Rights Commission on 8 and 9 February 2006. The pre school teachers were terrified after their overnight stay in the Batticaloa Police Station and, in consultation with their parents, requested that TRO bring them to Colombo. TRO provided safe transit and once in Colombo notified the Human Rights Commission (on 1 February) of the women’s desire to testify.
• TRO has CONTINUOUSLY and without reservation offered its assistance to those investigating the abduction of its staff.
• TRO has attempted to contact the investigators, the IGP Mr. Chandra Fernando, Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe and many other government officials to no avail. Calls are not returned.

TRO has been cooperative and will continue to do so. All the authorities have to do is make the request. Thus far the request has not been forthcoming.

The TRO phone numbers are: 269 3254, 471 6575

We encourage those who wish to speak with us to call. ”

It is against this backdrop of accusation and counter accusation that the highly respected UTHR (J) has made its own revelation about the LTTE staging this TRO abduction drama. While this claim would be seized on by anti – tiger sections on the one hand in support of their stance and would be disputed vehemently by pro – tiger elements this writer is only concerned about the safe return of the “missing” persons. Let us fervently hope and pray that they return home safely as soon as possible and that the controversy surrounding their “disappearance” should not affect their well – being.

April 5th, 2006

Tigers may fly in own plane to Male from Iranaimadhu

by D.B.S. Jeyaraj

[April 5, 2006] The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam delegates attending peace talks in Geneva on April 19th are prepared to fly directly out from Sri Lanka in their own aircraft from Iranaimadhu in the Kilinochchi district to Maldivian Islands capital Male thereby circumventing Katunayake it is learnt.

The proposed move however is predicated on two factors. Firstly the refusal of President Mahinda Rajapakse to provide clear cut guarantees of security to and from the Katunayake International Airport to the LTTE delegation led by its political Commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan. Secondly the inability of facilitator Norway in arranging for air transport to the LTTE from Iranaimadhu to Male.

Informed sources said that the extreme step of LTTE resorting to its own aircraft in flying out would be deemed necessary only if Rajapakse fails to provide security guarantees or Oslo the air transport.

The LTTE has set up its own air wing and has over 20 small, microlite and sea planes it is understood. Though the LTTE keeps details of its air wing – pioneered by Sornalingam alias “Col” Shankar – a closely guarded secret it is understood that the tigers possess an air capacity far in excess of what is revealed in media reports based on Sri Lankan intelligence sources.

The LTTE political adviser and chief negotiator Anton Balasingham has mooted this proposal to Norwegian Overseas development minister Erik Solheim at a meeting held in London on March 29th. Balasingham however has stated clearly that special air transport arrangements for the LTTE will be required only if President Rajapakse is unable or unwilling to provide adequate guarantees of security for air travel via Katunayake to Switzerland.

If Colombo does not satisfy the LTTE with concrete guarantees the tigers will fly out from Iranaimadhu by sea plane to Male and from there by passenger airlines to Geneva. The LTTE would like Norway to make arrangements for this. If Oslo is unable to do so the LTTE is prepared to fly out in its own planes.

The tigers conducted a “trial run” of the Iranaimadhu – Male sea plane air passage in 2002 when Anton Balasingham and spouse Adele Balasingham accompanied by Norwegian diplomats flew in and out of Kilinochchi from and to the Maldives. The Balasinghams arrived on March 25th and departed on April 24th in 2002.

The sea plane was specially chartered by Norway for this from a Maldives based air taxi service and flown by Canadian nationals.

This was at a time when the ceasefire had just come into force and Balasingham considered travelling through Katunayake to be a security risk. An earlier request to be granted passage through India was rejected by New Delhi.

Erik Solheim will convey the LTTE request to Rajapakse when he and the new special peace envoy Jon Hanssen – Bauer will meet the President on April 6th. The duo will be in New Delhi on April 7th to brief India on developments. They will meet Balasingham on April 8th in London and convey Rajapakse’s response to the LTTE ideologue.

Given the political importance of the Geneva talks Rajapakse is expected to provide the guarantees required by the tigers.

Though the ceasefire is in existence for more than four years the LTTE regards the security situation to be quite fragile at present. The LTTE also wants to avoid any possible danger or embarassment to its delegates led by SP Thamilselvan when they pass through Katunayake.

The LTTE has already expressed protest to Norway over the treatment meted out to its delegates when they returned from Switzerland after the previous round on February 22 – 23rd. The LTTE was not given the customary VIP treatment of earlier times and compelled to undergo procedures and checks like ordinary passengers.

Officials at Katunayake made a hue and cry about some catalogues of arms in LTTE possession as if a grave security breach had occurred. The tigers were held up at Katunayake for over four hours till approval : was obtained from higher authorities to clear the catalogue contraband.

The LTTE luggage was searched intensively and duties were imposed for items like torches and digital cameras.

Sections of the Sri Lankanmmedia highlighted the airport incident and extremist politicians charged that the LTTE was smuggling in dangerous weapons and equipment through Katunayake.

The LTTE hierarchy was miffed over this controversy because it regarded the issue as a mountain being made out of a molehill. The LTTE transports its sophisticated weaponery through its sea division and does not need to smuggle in stuff through Katunayake.

A big fuss was also made when the LTTE wanted its woman wing leader to be air transported to Kilinochchi as she had fallen sick. Earlier she was slated to travel back by road.

The Government has also in recent times refused to provide air transport for tiger leaders from the East to travel to the North.

Given this backdrop the LTTE wants easy passage and smooth arrangements on a VIP basis to be extended to its delegates as was done during the Kumaratunga – Wickremasinghe period.

Another major concern is security. LTTE intelligence suspects a conspiracy to target its delegates in Colombo.It is expected that Tamil “paramilitaries” aided and abetted by influential security officials will carry out the task. The LTTE is deeply suspicious about Defence secretary Gothabaya Rajapakse, Army chief Sarath Fonseka and Defence adviser Kotakadeniya.The LTE would like Mahinda to provide explicit guarantees in this respect.

According to informed sources the LTTE is concerned about travelling through Katunayake because it fears some “covert action” by hawks in the Colombo establishment to sabotage Geneva talks. Since the Government has agred to disband paramilitaries but cannot do so these elements by targeting the LTTE may hope to prevent the second round it is felt.

The LTTE is also concerned that the JVP and JHU may organize a protest demonstration at Katunayake to embarass the tigers. Rajapakse has been requested to provide assurances that such activity will not be permitted.

The LTTE is also worried about how its delegates will be treated on their return in a situation where the Geneva talks collapse. Given the Governments failure on ground to disarm the paramilitares as pledged earlier and the hostilities being whipped up the tigers fear a possible breakdown of talks in Geneva.

What then is the position of the returning delegates? is the doubt. It may be recalled that when talks collapsed in 1990 LTTE political chief Narendran alias Yogi was stranded in Colombo. Yet he was escorted safely back to the North though war had erupted.

President Premadasa and ministerial envoy ACS Hameed were criticised strongly by Sinhala hardliners for this. The hawks felt Yogi should have been incarcerated.

The LTTE is worried about similiar demands being made about arresting its delegation if the Geneva talks do break down. The tigers want Rajapakse to assure safe passage regardless of the position at the Geneva talks.

Balasingham last week told the The Sunday Leader in a careful choice of words that “the LTTE leadership is concerned about the security of their negotiating team at Colombo airport and we have sought assurance of guarantees for the safety and safe passage through the terminal.”

It is understood that the tiger ideologue was refering to the multiple concerns of the LTTE regarding air travel when he said this.

President Rajapakse who was described as a “pragmatist” by LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakharan is expected to agree to the LTTE request and provide required guarantees in word and deed. If he fails to do so the political consequences would be massive.

In the first place the Geneva talks may be jeopardiseed. Furthermore the LTTE avoiding Katunayake and travelling from Iranaimadhu to Male in Oslo arranged aircraft or in their own would be a tremendous propaganda coup for the LTTE.

If the LTTE does fly out in its own air craft it would be a great “victory” for the tigers politically and militarily. Moreover the LTTE may even impress the Tamils, shock the world and infuriate the Sinhala hawks by flying out not from Iranaimadhu tank but from one of the three airfields the tigers have constructed in the North – East.

Given this reality, whatever the hotheads may say, it is very likely that Mahinda will accommodate the LTTE request in a way that would not allow the tigers any excuse to demand and obtain special air transport between Kilinochchi and Maldives.

April 5th, 2006