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Ex-TMVP member recruiting kids

5 February 2010 01:25 pm - 7     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Two months after the UN sent retired Major General Patrick Cammaert to Sri Lanka, his report on Children and Armed Conflict in Sri Lanka was presented to a sub-committee of the UN Security Council, in a closed meeting in the UN basement, the Inner City Press website reported.

According to Inner City Press, the report notes among other things the re-recruitment of children by a "commander named Iniya Barrathi who was part of the TMVP breakaway faction under Karuna's leadership." Cammaert recommends that that government take action.

Inner City Press said it had obtained a copy of the report and posted it on the website. (see full report http://www.innercitypress.com/sri1caac.pdf)

In his report Cammaert says "I learned during my stay in Batticoloa that there are a number of reports of recruitment of children and threats of re-recruitment of children in Ampara district in the Eastern Province by a commander’ named Iniya Barrathi who was part of the ‘I’MVP breakaway faction under Karuna’s leadership. I was alarmed when I heard that some children from Ampara district, currently undergoing re-integration assistance and skills training, felt it was un-safe to return to Ampara upon completion of their training, as they feared re-recruitment and further abuse by “commander” Barrathi.

I raised this issue with Mr. Karuna, who was appointed Minister of National Integration in March 2009. He stated that he was aware of the situation and that he had urged “commander” Barrathi to stop recruiting. Karuna expressed frustration over the commander’s behavior. He stated that he had already informed “commander” Barrathi that, should he continue, the police would intervene, as under-age recruitment is a criminal offence in Sri Lanka.

I raised the issue also in my meeting with the Minister of Justice and the Secretary Justice. I made it clear that if “commander”. Barrathi did not immediately cease recruiting and harassing children, he would be in clear violation of the Government of Sri Lanka’s “zero tolerance” policy regarding child recruitment and use. They promised that they would follow up on this ease. This needs to be monitored closely. as it would be difficult to foresee an effective conclusion of the TMVP Action Plan without a halt to all new recruitments and threats of recruitment by this commander or other rogue commanders".

When contacted by Daily Mirror online Barrathi rejected the claims and said the report was misleading and baseless. He however did concede that Minister Karuna Amman had contacted him over the claims as mentioned in the report. However an attempt to get further clarification on the report from Barrathi failed as he refused to comment. (JN)


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  Comments - 7

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  • Friday, 05 February 2010 03:12 PM

    LTTE has been vanquished, and Tamil problems are not settled once and for all, the likely hood of another insurgency is likely in the East & North.
    Therefore it is the duty of all Sri Lankans to find an acceptable solution to the Tamils or the East & North.

    Friday, 05 February 2010 03:17 PM

    we knew that long ago.
    when he is a minister for breacking Imgration law what can you expect.

    Friday, 05 February 2010 03:57 PM

    This is a well known fact. Since children who kidnapped by the terrorist group TMVP are minorities SL government is very happy about this ongoing crime.

    Friday, 05 February 2010 04:49 PM

    Now the people in the south would realise why the people in NE didn't vote for MR...MR and his government knew this very well...they were playing double games...poor Tamils

    Friday, 05 February 2010 06:13 PM

    Why no UN bashing this time, by the great 'Sinhala Weeraya's'? And why didn't the Justice Ministry make this public, two months ago, when the issue was raised with them? Would not have helped MR's election campaign, would it?

    Friday, 05 February 2010 06:17 PM

    He will form LTTE-2, in due course?

    Saturday, 06 February 2010 11:53 AM

    Isn't this Iniyabharathi a Presidential Adviser? Well Well! That speaks for the truth!


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