EPDP leader and Minister Douglas Devananda said there were no restrictions on him to visit India and said he was prepared to appear before the Chennai High Court at any time, if the Indian Central Government and the Tamil Nadu State Government assured his security.

He was responding to Indian media reports that the Tamil Nadu police had found fault with the Indian Central Government authorities for allowing Mr. Devananada to leave the country when he visited India recently.

“After the Indo-Sri Lanka accord all the people who joined the democratic stream were given a General Amnesty. I also returned to Sri Lanka on the instructions of my lawyer,” Minister Devananda said.

According to the Tamil Nadu police report, Douglas Devananda was involved in three cases in Chennai and they included a murder and kidnap for ransom. On November 1, 1986, an EPRLF cadre opened fire on local people in the Choolaimedu area in which one person died and four others suffered bullet injuries.

Nine others including Mr. Devananda were arrested on charges of murder and attempt to murder. Two AK 47 assault rifles and ammunition were seized from the accused who were also booked under the provisions of the Indian Arms Act and Explosives Substances Act.

In November 1988, Mr. Devananda and 25 others were arrested for allegedly kidnapping a ten-year-old boy on the Poonamallee High Road for ransom. A couple of years later, the Director of a company lodged a complaint with the police that Mr. Devananda and others came to his office and threatened him at gun-point to join their movement.

Minister Devananda’s Lawyer Mr. Rajan told the Daily Mirror from India over the phone that the EPDP leader could visit India without any problem.

“We have submitted a motion to the Chennai High Court six months ago. The Court has accepted that Minister Devananda was not an absconding offender,” Mr. Rajan said.

Meanwhile, the EPDP leader said he had made several trips to India, including Tamil Nadu officially and for medical treatment after these cases were registered.

“I didn’t receive any summons from the Chennai High Court “he said. (B.M.Murshideen)‬