Jaffna University's student union have expressed their concerns over the proposed Anti Terrorism Act which they state will curtail freedom of expression and association.
Speaking at a press conference, the leader of the student union, Azhagarasan Vijayakumar, said that the proposed act will will impede not only organisations but also individuals from engaging in their freedom of expression and freedom of association. The new act has been proposed to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which has been used for decades against Tamils and Muslims to arbitrarily arrest and detain people, violate fair trial rights, and put detainees at risk of torture.
"The Tamil people's voices have been systematically oppressed by the PTA, and student movements that have been democratically engaging in protests and dissent have been greatly affected by the existing PTA. Students have been arrested and intimidated, and the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act is likely to worsen the situation," Vijayakumar added.
The international community needs to intervene to stop this act from being passed, and MPs should oppose it, Vijayakumar said. The Jaffna University students union is vehemently opposed to the new Anti-Terrorism Act and will mobilise its members to protest against it. The proposed act has raised concerns among student unions across the country, with many fearing that it will curb their right to dissent and protest.
The Jaffna student union is urging the government to reconsider its decision to introduce the Anti-Terrorism Act. The union added that the proposed act will have far-reaching implications, and it is essential that all concerned parties engage in constructive dialogue to find a way forward that protects the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
