Phone threats to Tamil groups, political parties contesting JMC election

[TamilNet, Monday, 22 June 2009, 15:34 GMT]
Persons alleged to be government supporters have begun issuing anonymous phone threats continually to prominent persons related to Tamil independent groups and political parties contesting the forthcoming Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) election, sources in Jaffna said. Meanwhile, supporters of Minister Douglas Devanada in Kurunakar area had cautioned him of defeat in the election if he contests under the Beetle Leaf symbol of the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and advised him to contest under the ‘Vee’nai’ symbol of his Eelam Peoples’ Democratic Party (EPDP), when he met them Sunday to learn of their opinion, the sources added.

The threatening calls intimidate the persons targeted and warn them of grave consequences if they support the Tamil independent groups or Tamil political parties opposed to the government.

Perpetrators of many killings, abductions and robberies in Jaffna peninsula, alleged to be operating with Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and ruling parties, have not been identified or brought before the law by law enforcement bodies in the peninsula in the past.

In the light of the above circumstances the anonymous threats by phone very much scare the prominent persons related to Tamil independent groups and political parties as well as the contestants.

Meanwhile, Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) is actively engaged in selecting candidates for the election besides canvassing support among the public in Jaffna Municipal Council area.

EPDP said in its news release that it will make public its stand in the JMC election Tuesday in its Srithar Theatre office in Jaffna town.