4 seek HRC protection, one abducted, 2 missing in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Friday, 28 September 2007, 04:13 GMT]
Four in Thenmaraadchi, two students aged 16 and 18 along with two family men sought protection with Human Rights Commission (HRC) Jaffna Thursday due to death threats form the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and SLA-backed paramilitaries. Meanwhile, armed men in a white van abducted a family man from his house in Thirunelveali area in Jaffna.

The two students seeking protection are from a popular school in Meesaalai in Thenmaraadchi and HRC officials are considering whether to place him in the protective custody of Jaffna prison or in some other humanitarian centre on account of their young age.

One of the two family men who sought protection Thursday is a 49-year–old father of six children from Va'ra'ni in Thenmaraadchi.

The family man abducted from his house in Thirunelveali area Thursday noon is Ponnuthurai Ranjan, 43.

Meanwhile, Krishnamoorthy Kesavan, 21, is reported missing since Thursday by his relatives with HRC Jaffna. Kesavan has not returned home after leaving for work.

A youth from Station Road in Chunnaakam is also reported missing by his family members Thursday to HRC Jaffna. He has been missing since September 14, according to the complaint.