Halo Trust employee missing in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Sunday, 05 February 2006, 14:43 GMT]
An employee of Halo Trust, an NGO engaged in mine clearing operations in Jaffna, is reported missing from Saturday night, sources from Jaffna said. Gunaratnam Logithas, 23, from Kaithady in Jaffna district, was travellling to Chavakachcheri from his home in his motorbike when he was reported disappeared.

Relatives have lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) offices in Jaffna Sunday, HRC officials said without giving any additional details.

Several employees of Halo Trust have been receiving threats, sources said. More than 30 of the staffers have crossed Muhamalai into Liberation Tigers controlled area after several civilians and supporters of LTTE were killed by the paramilitaries working with Sri Lanka Government.

Thenmaradchy district, particularly Chemmani area near Kaithady, gained notoriety for the presence of mass graves, where more than 600 Tamils who disappeared after arrests during 1996-1997 offensives by SLA in Jaffna were allegedly buried.

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