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| Friday, 20 September 2002 |
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65 villages in Wanni for resettlement by Ranil Wijayapala The Defence Ministry will soon open 65 villages in the Wanni for resettlement, Defence Secretary Austin Fernando told a news conference yesterday. The Defence Secretary said that of the 65 villages, approval has already been granted for the resettlement of people in 15 villages and the other villages will also be opened step by step. He said an Additional Secretary of the Defence Ministry is due to visit various areas in the Wanni to assess their suitability for resettlement. The Army, the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation and other government officials are working closely to make this programme a success. He said the Defence Ministry is resettling people in the high security areas and 3500 acres of agricultural lands in Thanankilappu area in the South of Chavakachcheri has already been earmarked for cultivation. "We do not want people to suffer. There is no meaning to the peace process if we confine people to certain arras. We may have to keep some areas under security forces. Steps will be taken to release other areas in the high security zones too step by step," Fernando added. He attributed the delay in resettling people to the slow progress in landmine clearance. It is estimated that another five years will be needed to remove all the mines. "We are planning to expedite this programme with the assistance of the international community. India, Pakistan, Japan, Norway and Canada have already expressed their willingness to assist us," he added. |
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