Association of War Affected Women (AWAW), a human rights group representing the families of disappeared military personnel in Sri Lanka, has accused the government of victimising soldiers.

Visaka Dharmadasa, the convenor of the association, said her organisation is currently campaigning for the release of soldiers arrested by the Rajapaksa administration.

"During the war, we visited Kilinochchi to seek the release of soldiers detained in the LTTE custody. But now we are going to Temple Trees to meet President Rajapaksa for the release of the soldiers arrested by the government," said Visaka Dharmadasa.

She made the comments at a meeting at JR Jayawardene Centre in Colombo, which was attended by representatives of women's organisations and women from victims' families to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.

The meeting was organised by many women's rights organisations, calling for press freedom, re-establishment of democracy and more representation of women in parliament.

Ms. Dharmadasa said the government has arrested at least 53 military officers and soldiers, some of them already retired, after the presidential election.

Anoma Fonseka, the wife of Gen Fonseka who is detained in military custody, urged the women in Sri Lanka not to betray the dignity for money or other perks.

Sandhya Eknaligoda, wife of disappeared journalist Prageeth, strongly criticised the state media for making mockery of victimised women's tears.

-Eelam Nation-