Help identify real culprits - EPDP

Before the assailant revealed his identity and connections, rumours are spread like wildfire with the motive of tarnishing the image of my party and to impress the public that the EPDP is responsible for the murder of T. Maheswaran, an EPDP news release said.

Perpetrators of this heinous crime rushed to spread rumours to divert the attention of the people from apprehending the culprits.

People who are behind this vicious campaign must have a hand directly or indirectly in this murder.

That is why these elements are spreading rumours to impress the public before the assailant reveals the truth.

The EPDP has not only been at the receiving end of violence but also been blamed for the murders of others.

Even during the ceasefire period, over 70 members of our party were killed by the LTTE and many were injured and disappeared but we never resorted to violence and killings.

It was the EPDP and the Government jointly restored normalcy and established the mechanism to maintain law and order in Jaffna after we moved into Jaffna in 1997.

Until the ceasefire was signed in 2002, normalcy prevailed in Jaffna even for a UNP nominee T. Maheswaran contested and won the parliamentary elections in 2000 and 2001.

People of the North and East are fully aware of the happenings in their areas. The EPDP which has been struggling for the rights of the Tamils in spite of the murderous attacks will be the last to indulge in violence against the same people.

If we all are responsible media personnel, responsible politicians and responsible activists, let us all not allow the culprits to escape and punish the innocent for our petty political agendas.

Therefore we call upon the responsible citizens of this country to help identify the real culprits and expose them for the sake of safeguarding the rights of every citizen in this country.