Sri Lanka: Easter attacks report to be submitted on October 23

The Parliamentary Select Committee which was was set up to look into the Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka will submit its report on October 23. Ananda Kumarasiri, the Chairman of the PSC Deputy Speaker stated on October 12 that a detailed report on the Easter attack will be presented in the Parliament on October 23. PSC has reportedly collected evidence from nearly 60 people which will also contribute in making the final report. The explosions on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka killed 258 people and injured more than 500. 

Easter Attack

While the Christian community in Sri Lanka was celebrating Easter Sunday on April 21, a series of eight bomb explosions destroyed the churches and other high-end hotels across the country. Later, a local terror group called National Thowheeth Jama'ath had also claimed the responsibility for the attacks. On September 6, the Sri Lankan police authorities said that they have reportedly arrested 293 suspects that might have connections with the bombings. Furthermore, 115 suspects were in remand custody while the rest of them are detained only for questioning. The police spokeswoman also informed that measures are in development to seize assets worth 6 billion Lankan rupees that belonged to the suspects. 

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The Emergency Rule

After the attacks in April, the island country was put in an emergency by President Sirisena for four months till August which officially ended on August 24. The emergency was declared on April 22 and the emergency was not extended for another term as the President had done consecutively on the 22nd of every month. After ending the emergency, President Sirisena issued a separate a different regulation under the same law to call the armed forces for active service if and when necessary in all districts of the country. However, this move by the Lankan leader was further condemned by the critics who believe that this move is to especially target the Muslim citizens.

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(With ANI inputs)