EPDP members suspected in abduction

[TamilNet, Monday, 22 June 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A group of unidentified gunmen believed to be members of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) abducted two supporters of a rival parliamentarian, Mr. Ramamoorthy, who represents the Jaffna district, on Friday in Jaffna, said sources close to Mr. Ramamoorthy.

The supporters, who were also members of the EPDP, were having their lunch at the MP's residence at Navalar road when a group of 20 armed men surrounded the MP's house and abducted his supporters, the sources said.

Mr. Ramamoorthy has lodged a complaint with the Jaffna SLA commander, Brig. Susantha Mendis and the Police.

Mr. Subathiran, central committee member of the Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF), has issued a statement strongly condemning the abduction.

He said his group strongly condemns the abduction of rival members by Tamil groups in Jaffna when it is possible to settle disputes by negotiations.

He also said that, his group was prepared to negotiate to resolve the dispute.

Mr. Ramamoorthy and his brother Mr. Rameswaran who were EPDP parliamentarians for the Jaffna district were sacked last year by the group's leader Mr. Douglas Devananda.

Mr. Devananda then wrote to the speaker of Parliament informing him that the two could not continue as MPs as they had been sacked from the group.

However, the brothers went to courts to challenge this and got a verdict in their favour.

The rival brothers are functioning independently in Parliament now.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Army cordoned off and conducted house-to-house search operation from 8.30 a.m. till 10 a.m. yesterday, in the Nallur area of Jaffna, said ex militant sources.

Areas around Kailasa Pillayar temple and Wyman road were sealed off and no one was allowed to leave the area during the search operation, the sources said.

Details of arrests during the operation were not available, they added.

Related Articles:
25.01.98   EPDP cadres blamed for firing
29.12.97   Breakaway EPDP faction alleges intimidation
13.11.97   EPDP members arrested in Colombo