Five soldiers have been arrested in Sri Lanka in connection with investigations into the disappearances of eight people in the northern peninsula of Jaffna, the defence ministry said Monday.
Eight civilians who travelled to the village of Mirusuvil were reported missing since December 19 and the authorities were seeking more information from their relatives, the ministry said in a statement.
"Security forces have launched an investigation and sought assistance from the relatives and the public to ascertain the facts and proceed with the investigation," the statement said. "Five soldiers have been taken into custody on suspicion."
The ministry said a court of inquiry was being set up in addition to the police investigation to probe if military procedures, particularly in relation to the protection of human rights, had been violated by the five men.
Government forces have stepped up attacks against Tamil Tiger guerrillas in the Jaffna peninsula in recent weeks -- COLOMBO (AFP)
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