The 20th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Rev. Fr. Thiruchelvam Nihal Jim Brown and Mr. Vensilos Vincent Vimalathas was commemorated in Allaipiddy, Jaffna, on August 20.
The commemoration began with a Procession for Justice from the Allaipiddy junction to St. Philip Neri’s Church, followed by a memorial light, a moment of silence, remembrance speeches and Holy Mass. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Rex Saundra, President of the Jaffna Diocesan Priests’ Union.
During the event, Rev. Fr. Anthonipillai Augustine, Director of the Jaffna Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, read a statement calling on the United Nations to intervene to establish the truth and ensure justice concerning the two men.
Fr. Jim Brown and Mr. Vimalathas disappeared on August 20, 2006, after they were last seen near a military checkpoint in Allaipiddy. Twenty years later, the Commission said that no clear account has been provided regarding the circumstances surrounding their disappearance or their present status.
It called for an independent and transparent investigation, the disclosure of military and police records, and the questioning of personnel serving in Allaipiddy at the time.
The Commission also called for protection for witnesses and families, accountability for those responsible if identified, and appropriate support and compensation for the families.
The commemoration served as a renewed call for truth, justice and accountability, with the participation of priests, religious sisters, parishioners and members of the public.
