NSC Writes to IGP Seeking Immediate Actions

Violence in Kalutara District – 15 June 2014

immediate action please. We hope to make further detailed representations to you at the earliest please.

1. Victims have still not overcome the fear and trauma caused to them. Except for a few, most of them want to make detailed complaints but are reluctant to come to the Police Station. We urge you to open up, at least two desks each in the Mosque compound in Dharga Town Grand Mosque, Beruwala
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   Naleemia and Welipenne

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   Jumma Mosque, with immediate effect to facilitate the recording of complaints and eye-witness statements.
    

2. We were informed that in a number of instances, the local police had got some of the victims to make very brief statements, mostly related only to the damages caused. People in the area have conveyed to us that they were
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   dissatisfied with this method of taking statements as they were not given the opportunity of giving details of the sequence of events which unfolded upon them.
    

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   We urge you that such statements must not be treated as first complaints as most of them had not recovered from the trauma that afflicted them.Please give specific instructions to the police desks to be set up within the affected areas that they need to obtain duly, the first detailed statement.  The Mosques and other local organization will give fullest cooperation.
    

3. There had been extensive looting of jewellery, valuables and house-hold items before damaging or setting fire to houses and shops. Police must take urgent action to recover the valuables on the basis of information that the victims are ready to furnish. So far, the police appear to have done nothing to recover any of the looted valuables. You need to give strict instructions on recovering the stolen goods.
    
4. You may, draw attention of the Police
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   to Sec.109 and 110 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act and encourage the victims and witnesses to give in writing their own statements, if they are able to do so and duly record same in the Information Book. 

 

Gen. Secretary NSC

NSC Writes to IGP Seeking Immediate Actions