Mystery armed men attack TNA supporters in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Friday, 09 April 2004, 17:56 GMT]
Mystery gangs comprising armed men are allegedly assaulting and intimidating active supporters of the Tamil National Alliance in the Jaffna district, especially in the Vadamarachchi north division, following the victory of the TNA at the last general election, civil sources complained Friday.

TNA activists suspect that these gangs have the support of the paramilitary Eelam Peoples' Democratic Party (EPDP), which contested the last general election and obtained only a solitary parliamentary seat, civil sources said.

Victims of these assaults have complained to the authorities concerned that the members of these gangs covering their faces with masks are attacking and issuing death threats to TNA activists particularly in the areas of Viyaparimoolai and Valvettithurai after leaving their vehicles near army camps and sentry points.

The frequent movement of mystery vehicles with armed men at nights has created fear among the people of Vadamaradchchi north division, civil sources said

Meanwhile, a TNA supporter, Mr.Sinnathamby Sivagnanam of Varani in Thenmaradchchi division last Thursday at an identification parade held in the Chavakachcheri magistrates' court identified three suspects who are alleged to have assaulted him with sword and causing grievous hurt on the eve of general election, police said.

The magistrate ordered remand for the three suspects who were identified by the complainant, legal sources said.

In the meantime, another Tamil youth, Gopalapillai Ranjithkumar, who received injuries when a group of persons entered his house and assaulted him, was admitted to the Jaffna teaching hospital. Earlier he took refuge at the Kayts political office of the LTTE, sources said.