Truth of Rev. Father’s killing bared

(October,06, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Late Rev. Fr. Neeklapillai Pakkiyaranjith who was killed on 26.09.2007 was a native of Jaffna Eechchamoddai and was the Mannar District Coordinator of JRS.

Fr. Pakkiyaranjith, a dynamic social worker was killed in a LTTE claymore mine attack at Kalvilan village while he was on his way to assist the Vidattaltivu refugees. The vehicle in which he was traveling was scatted in the claymore mine attack and he died on the spot. The driver of the vehicle, Christopher Eugene (40) escaped with injuries.

The late Fr. made frequent visits to the LTTE area and helped the people in their needs. The Fr. was kept informed by the people of the area, regarding the harassment of the LTTE. The Fr. was also made to know regarding LTTE conscription of their schooling children and that the relief goods provided by the government for them were being taken by the LTTE and not allowing them to travel to the government controlled area. The Fr. therefore was against the LTTE. The LTTE made a request to the Fr. to delver all aids to the people through the LTTE. He turned down the LTTE request and said he will deal with the people directly with regard to the JRS assistances. Hence the LTTE decided to eliminate him and waited for an opportunity.

The LTTE killed him when President Mahinda Rajapakse participated in the UN general Assembly in New York, to defame Sri Lanka in the international level.

The Vilathikulam army camp is 10 kilometres away from Kalvilan, where the Fr was killed and the Manthai army camp is 40 kilometres away. The LTTE is always vigilant and guard their forward defense line round the clock; hence troops have no way to make any claymore attack in that area. It is clear that the attack was made by the LTTE.