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Wigneswaran - military cannot collect info as they please

The chief minister of the Northern Province, C V Wigneswaran condemned the TID's attempt to collect information about new born babies in Kilinochchi, saying that they cannot collect such information as they please. 

"The army seems to think the state of emergency continues. At present, when this [state of emergency] is not in place, if any information is sought from any state body, approval must be sought from the senior official," he said. 

"Information cannot be collected without proper processes citing security. The law does not give way for this," he added. 

Last week Sri Lanka's Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) sought information regarding all babies born from May 25th to 30th in Kilinochchi district from the Northern Provincial Council health department. 

Sri Lankan police claimed the TID were searching for the wife of a man who is accused of storing ammunition and a LTTE flag.

"Under the guise of security the military has done many atrocities. War crimes are included within this," Mr Wigneswaran said. 

"Also 9 years after the conflict ended, the military, who stoke fear citing 'security, security', should explain to us what is the reason for these security measures and arrive at a negotiated settlement."

"In truth there is no reason for the military to remain in the Northern province. It is political reasons that lead to their continued deployment here," he added. 

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