Government has not really withdrawn emergency regulations – JVP

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) alleged yesterday the Government has misled people by saying it has withdrawn the emergency regulations.

JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath told a press conference that the basics of the emergency regulations are still in place.

He said the JVP and many activists had continuously protested to get the emergency regulations withdrawn and the government’s announcement that it would be removed was welcomed by the people.

“People thought democracy could be re-established with its removal,” he said.

Herath observed that the Prevention of Tourism Act (PTA), which is still effective, provided powers to the police and military to search houses without court warrants.

He added that the police and military could extract confessions from any individual under the PTA and detain him without any trial in a court of law for a long period.

According to Herath, people will not be able to enjoy the freedom they desire and see the re-establishment of democracy as long as the PTA remained. Even the military camps set up in civilian areas in the districts of Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Jaffna will continue.

Although the withdrawal of the emergency regulations should establish the freedom of thought and expression, it has been nullified by the PTA, Herath said. (Colombopage)