Youth seeks protection with HRC, civilian missing in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Friday, 07 September 2007, 07:19 GMT]
A youth from Nelliadi in Vadamaraadchi, due to death threats allegedly from Sri Lanka Army (SLA) backed armed paramilitary men, surrendered himself directly in Jaffna Court Thursday where the magistrate, Mr. R. T. Vignarajah, directed the youth to be placed in the protective custody of Jaffna Prison. Meanwhile, a civilian from Kodikaamam is reported missing since he left home August 2, according to a complaint by his wife to Human Rights Commission (HRC) Jaffna.

The family man reported missing is Sinnathamby Sritharan, 38, a resident of Kodikaamam in Thenmaraadchi.

It is significant that the youth from Nelliadi has directly sought protection to his life at Jaffna Court instead of Point Pedro Court or with the HRC Jaffna, legal society sources in Jaffna said.

Earlier four youths aged below 30, from Chavakachcheari Town, Meesaalai, Vara'ni and Madduvil had surrendered at the HRC Wednesday seeking protection from SLA-backed paramilitaries.

The youths were produced Thursday before Jaffna magistrate who directed authorities to place them in protective custody in Jaffna prison.

The number of Tamil youths seeking protection at the Jaffna HRC from Thenmaraadchi region in Jaffna district is on the rise at an alarming rate, sources close to the HRC said.

Meanwhile, clashes erupted Thursday evening in Thenmaraadchi Forward Defense Lines (FDL) between Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eeelam (LTTE).

During the clashes, which lasted nearly an hour, both sides exchanged artillery fire and launched Multi barrel attacks. A number of shells exploded near SLA camps located at Usan and Mirsuvil and tension prevails in these areas.

No details of casualties are available.

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