2 students, family man seek protection with Jaffna HRC

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 25 April 2007, 02:32 GMT]
An eighteen year old student from Karaveddy, Vadamaradchy and another 16 year old student from Pokatti, Kodikamam in Thenmaradchy sought protection with Human Rights Commission (HRC) Jaffna office Tuesday along with a young family man from Chavakacheri in Thenmaradchy, all fearing death from Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troopers and SLA-backed paramilitaries, according to sources in Jaffna. With the Jaffna magistrate have taken leave of absence, HRC officials are facing technical problems in arranging protective custody in Jaffna prisons, civil society sources in Jaffna said.

The student from Karaveddy and the family man from Chavakacheri said that armed men in white van came to their houses during nights several times with the intention of abducting them. They had gone underground and urgently need protection with the HRC.

The 16 year old student from Pokkati, Kodikamam said that his father was summoned to the SLA civil administration office at Kodikamam and ordered to handover him to the SLA. The SLA personnel had confiscated the National Identity Card of his father, the student added.

The 16 year old student cannot be placed in Jaffna prison because of his minor status, and the acting Magistrate has limited authority in deciding on the minor's case.