Amnesty International condemns LTTE killings

“The killing of members of parliament simply on the basis of their political activities is a contemptible act. The LTTE should immediately stop the killing of non-combatants and cease other human rights abuses, including the taking of hostages,” the statement declared.

Thangathurai was killed in a grenade attack on July 5 while Maharoof died when his vehicle was ambushed by gunmen last Sunday. Both incidents took place in Trincomalee and have created a good deal of nervousness amongst MPs elected from the conflict-ridden North-East. Almost all Tamil parties, including the TULF to which Thangathurai belonged, have avoided blaming the LTTE for the killings.

Amnesty’s criticism is an attack from unexpected quarters and is a strong indication that there are fewer buyers now for the propaganda that the LTTE dishes out abroad. The statement is also an embarrassing development for the Tamil community, which has so far preferred to deal with the issue by either discovering reasons for the killings or by spinning out various theories that exonerate the LTTE. Though the Tamil leaders have earlier quoted Amnesty reports on the excesses committed on their people by the Sri Lankan government with vim and vigour, the latest offering from the human rights group is not likely to be treated with the same reverence.

“Amnesty International has its own opinions. But as a responsible political party, we cannot make any accusations or hold anyone responsible for the killing till the evidence before the investigating authorities is assessed and a final conclusion reached,” said TULF president M Sivasithamparam.