Interference by Justice Ministry and intimidation by security agencies over Chemmani mass grave excavations: Gajendrakumar MP

 

TNPF leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam MP

The Justice Ministry is interfering on the ongoing excavation activities at Chemmani mass grave site in Jaffna while Criminal Investigation Department (CID) personnel are intimidating war victims when they are visiting the site for identification of artifacts found at the sites,  MP Kajendrakumar Ponnambalam alleged in Parliament today (August 5).

Alleging that there is no difference between this NPP government and the previous government when it comes to ethnic issues, the leader of Tamil National Peoples' Front (TNPF) said since this is happening to the Tamil community, the government's view is that it is not a political interference.

The MP was speaking today during the debate to unseat ex Inspector General of Police (IGP) Desabandu Thennakon over his political allegiances, abuse of power and charges of criminal charges over raids carried out under the banner of drug busts across the country during his tenure. 

" As this identification process is currently underway (5), the Secretary to Justice Ministry is in direct contact with those who are engaged in excavation activities. I am telling this with responsibility. Isn't this political interference? Won't this measure put pressure on the teams?," asked the MP. 

The MP also stressed that if the Ministry wants to obtain information related to a process that is happening under judicial orders, it has to go to Courts and get it. "What the Secretary of the Justice Ministry is doing is political interference. I have much respect to the Secretary but will never expect that she would behave like this but it is happening," 

He also charged that the presence of CID personnel at the entrance and the surrounding areas was a move to intimidate the war victims and relatives of enforced disappeared persons from taking part in the identification process. 

With six more new human remains were identified today during the excavation process at Chemmani mass grave site, totally 141 skeletons were identified in which 130 were fully exhumed and currently under judicial custody of Jaffna Magistrate Courts. 

Meanwhile, over two hundred individuals including relatives of enforced disappeared persons visited Chemmani mass grave site today to identify artifacts found at the mass grave site in Jaffna.

Some 43 artifacts including clothing for children, a feeding bottle belonging to infants, a bag and bangles were among the items that were displayed for the public seeking further information in order to identify victims.  (Northeastern Monitor/ August 5/ 2025)