In Jaffna, death certificates were issued to some of those who went to testify before the presidential commission with regard to those who were disappeared.
Those who received the death certificates like this stated that they were forced to receive the death certificates. However, they still believe that their relatives who were disappeared are still alive.
Following are stated by Kanthi Yarlini in her testimony;
Curfew was declared during the war at Allaipitti. When my husband Selvarathinam Kanthi was on his way to Jaffna from Allaipitti once the curfew was relaxed, he was arrested by the navy soldiers at Allaipiti naval base on 15th of August, 2006.
Many saw my husband when he was being detained at Allaipitti Naval Base. Then, my husband was disappeared. Then, no information about his whereabouts has been received so far though I am searching everywhere including naval bases and police stations.
Now, stating that my husband was dead, death certificate has been issued to me. But, I still believe that my husband is alive.
Following are stated by a person from new Sonaka Street in his testimony;
“My brother Sulthan Muhaideen was disappeared during the IPKF time on 10th of November, 1987. Then there is no information about him. But, in accordance with the laws regarding to the registration of deaths in 17th numbered 2005 act, the one who disappeared before one year is considered as the one who dead. Death certificate was issued in 2008 on the date on which my elder brother disappeared. I believe that my elder brother is still alive as no one saw his dead body”, he said.
Following are stated by Thurairasa Maheshwari from Kondavil north in her testimony;
My son Thurairasa Sivakumar was disappeared when he was 21 years old. He was disappeared in 1996 in Jaffna. I was investigated by many including police and TID officers after I lodged complaint in this regard. Then, death certificate has been issued. But, I still believe that my son is alive.
