 Two warehouse of Jaffna based Udayan news paper was burned down by unidentified persons on the night of 18th August. According to general manager Mr. Saravanabhavan of Udayan group of news papers, four persons enter the warehouses forcibly, chased away the security guards and set fire to the news print. Two buildings too were damaged completely. Udayan newspaper has made a complaint to the Jaffna Police regarding this crime. Warehouses contained News print and electronic equipments. Mr. Saravanabhavan told FMM that news print and electronic items burned down worth Rs.3 million. Udayan group of newspapers has been facing unending harassment for the last six months. Four for of their employees has been killed. Newspaper premises have been bombed. death threats to leading figures has been made. Last week security provided to the GM and one of the editors were withdrawn by the government. Udayan is the best selling and oldest news paper in war ravaged Jaffna peninsula. It has been the main provider day to day information to the people of Jaffna in the absence of TV or radio stations in the peninsula. Even under week long curfew imposed in Jaffna, it has been able to print six pages daily and distribute it against many a obstacles. FMM is afraid that a step by step plan to cripple the Udayan news paper of Jaffna is being implemented. FMM urge all press freedom organisations to stand by Udayan newspaper's right to exist and to show solidarity with Udayan newspaper of Jaffna. |