Govt denies allegation of internment of IDPs

The government rejects the allegation by Human Rights Watch that over 400 civilians displaced by the conflict in the North have been detained by the government.

The reference is to the Kalimoddai Welfare Centre in Mannar. The Kalimoddai Welfare Centre accommodates 232 internally displaced families, which includes 110 newly displaced families.

In keeping with its obligations, the government has been providing food, shelter and other essential facilities to these families who had fled the uncleared areas and sought refuge with the authorities.

The government has ensured security for these IDPs following threats to their lives from the LTTE. It has been observed by the authorities that the LTTE frequently attempts to infiltrate IDP centres to operate among the civilians.

Hence, the government has been constrained to impose certain temporary restrictions on IDPs, due to security concerns and the on-going military operations in the Mannar area.