Karuna to lose arms?

The government has hinted that the Karuna group would be disarmed soon.
According to Defence Spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukkwella the law enforcement authority has now been directed to take anyone carrying arms illegally in the east to task, in keeping with the law of the land.
The Minister said that in the past Karuna group could not be checked and its movement monitored due to the conflict, but added, with the liberation of the east this had become possible.
He said the government would not officially inform Karuna or any other paramilitary group to lay down arms, because it was not the government that officially handed over weapons to them.
“Since these groups decided to carry arms on their own, they have to lay down their arms on their own. Otherwise, they would be dealt with severely according to the law,” Rambukwella told The Nation.
He also said that those carrying arms would not be allowed to contest elections.
“This is unfair and undemocratic. The government has given arms only to the three armed forces and the police. Nobody else can possess weapons in this country,” he added.

(http://www.nation.lk/2007/08/05/news10.htm)