Court expresses concern over escalating abductions

[TamilNet, Thursday, 28 February 2008, 17:11 GMT]
Vavuniyaa District Judge and Magistrate, Mr.M.Ilancheliyan, expressed his serious concern over the increase of abduction of civilians in the district to the army and police top officials in charge of Vavuniyaa and Chettikulam, during a meeting held in the court premises this week. Three women were abducted since February 17 in Vavuniyaa, media reports said.

One woman was abducted in front of the Vavuniyaa hospital and two others at Thirunavatkulam.

The Magistrate directed the security officials to arrest persons who roam in the town in white vans with arms in daytime. He pointed out all abductions had been taken place in the area that comes under the control of Sri Lanka Army 51 Brigade.

The Magistrate questioned the security officials why they were unable to arrest them, under the Emergency Regulation, Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and Weapons Ordinance that are in force.

The Magistrate further directed the law enforcement authorities to arrest persons involved in the abduction, and to spend resources to locate persons already abducted, sources added.