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Stop abductions, Bishop warns
By Shelani Perera
Trincomalee-Batticaloa Bishop Kingsley Swampillai has warned the LTTE that unless it immediately stops abductions and conscription of children, he will take up the issue with international human rights groups.

The warning was given when the Bishop met LTTE's Batticaloa and Ampara military wing leader 'Ramesh' on Thursday to take up the issue of child conscription and a series of abductions in the region.

The Bishop at his meeting handed over a list of those reportedly abducted by the LTTE. The Bishop submitted 25 names, of which 15 were below 18, and gave details of names, time and place of abduction. These abductions had taken place from mid December to date.

The LTTE area leader denied that such abductions had taken place. The Bishop handed over the list of names and wanted them to check with the relevant people and if they were in LTTE custody to release them immediately.

Ramesh had assured the Bishop that they had got orders from their leader not to recruit any one under 18 and it was their policy not to do so. However, the Bishop had insisted that the list of names be taken to check if they were in LTTE custody.

Bishop Swampillai had warned the LTTE that if the situation turns worse, he would have to inform the international community and human rights organizations. The prelate has also informed the LTTE that the issue should be taken seriously as it would affect the peace talks.

Parents and families of the abducted for the past few weeks have sought help from the Bishop to intervene in the matter.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission deputy chief Hagrup Hauckland confirmed complaints of abduction and child recruitment particularly in the Eastern Province. "Abductions are continuing. We have on several occasions brought the matter to the notice of the LTTE but it continues. We have also informed the LTTE that this should stop and if it continues we will have to go public with the facts and figures. Contrary to what Anton Balasingham states the LTTE continues with this violation," Mr. Hauckland said.

He added that the SLMM on a daily basis through the local office held meetings with the LTTE regarding this. "It was in December that the Head of SLMM held talks with the LTTE in this regard. The LTTE also continues to threaten parents of those who have left the movement. In certain areas the LTTE has stopped after SLMM intervention, but in the Eastern province it continues. There are also areas where we don't have any access " Mr. Hauckland said. The SLMM had received 603 complaints from March 2002 to December 31 2002.

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