Tamil journalist, Aiyathurai Nadesan, was remembered by journalists in memorial events held across the North-East, marking 18 years since his assassination.
Mr Nadesan, commonly known as ‘Nellai Nadesan,’ was shot dead in Batticaloa by a paramilitary group when he was on his way to his office in 2004. Nadesan was a profile journalist and a columist for local Tamil dailies and international news agencies.
In the months leading up to his killing, Nadesan had been threatened and harassed by military personnel. On June 7 2001, he was summoned by the army for an inquiry where he was warned to cease reporting on human rights abuses.
Although 18 years have passed, no one has been held accountable for his murder.
In Batticaloa, members of the Batticaloa District Tamil Journalists Union and the Eastern Province Tamil Journalists Union laid flowers before a memorial statue for murdered journalists in honour of their murdered colleague.
The Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) held a memorial event at their office in Jaffna.
Mullaitivu Press Club also paid tribute to the slain journalist by lighting candles and laying flowers.
Vavuniya Press Club also commemorated Nadesan at their office in Vavuniya.
