The JVP charged, at a special press conference today that the government had hoodwinked the masses in the guise of withdrawing the emergency regulations.  JVP MP Vijitha Herath said that the PTA which still remains intact gives powers for the police and the military to search houses without a warrant from court. Also, Mr. Herath said that the military and the police could extract confessions from any individual under the PTA and detain him without any trial in a court of law for a long period.

“Therefore, as far as the PTA remains, people will not enjoy the actual freedom they desire. The military camps set up in civilian areas in the districts of    Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi and Jaffna will continue to be there even in the aftermath of the withdrawal of emergency. (KB)