Sri Lanka accused of creating crisis

Sri Lankan government forces were accused Thursday of causing a national crisis through widespread abductions and "disappearances."

Human Rights Watch, in a 241-page report, urged the government to reveal the whereabouts of the "disappeared," immediately stop the practice and hold those responsible accountable.

The group called also for the establishment of a U.N. human rights monitoring mission to investigate the reported incidents.

Since major fighting between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam resumed in 2006, Sri Lankan security forces and pro-government armed groups have caused "disappearances" or abducted hundreds of individuals, many of whom are feared dead, the report said.

Most of the victims are ethnic Tamils, although Muslims and Sinhalese have also been targeted. In many cases, the security forces reportedly grabbed individuals because of their alleged affiliation with the Tigers Human Rights Watch said. Clergy, educators, humanitarian aid workers and journalists also were said to be targeted.

Source: UPI