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Clamp down on guns in liberated East

COLOMBO: The Government yesterday stressed that no one other than the Security Forces and those licensed will be allowed to carry arms in the liberated East.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama addressing the media after a diplomatic briefing, responding to media queries underlined this law covers everyone, even the Karuna faction.

“Whether it is Karuna or someone else, if they break the law, we will take action against them. Not just physical development we want to enhance the sense of security in the minds of the people.”

He said the Government wanted to ensure the de-escalation of violence and uphold the rule of law. STF Commandant DIG Nimal Lewke, in charge of Eastern Security said they would arrest ‘anyone’ breaching the country’s law.

Bogollagama yesterday briefed the Colombo based diplomatic community on the progress of resettlement in the East.

At the follow up media briefing at the Kadirgamar Centre, he said the diplomats were highly impressed by the progress the Government has shown in facilitating the displaced people’s voluntary return to their homes.

The STF, which has set up 31 camps after clearing the area, has resettled over 24,000 people in the Batticaloa district by yesterday and were hoping to ensure another 24,000 return back to their previous homes by the end of this month.

According to their records 71,000 people were left homeless in the operations to clear the area from the LTTE grip. The East served as an important security, financial and administrative hub for the LTTE, is now entirely under Government Forces’ control, according to the STF.

Responding to allegations that the Government was forcing the people to return, Bogollagama invited the media and the particular organisations levelling these accusations to visit the area and witness the situation firsthand.

The Government provides Rs. 10,000 to purchase house utensils for returnees in addition to food parcels carrying dry rations, etc up to two weeks to sustain the families till they adjust to the new conditions.

“They will also receive livelihood support which will include farming and fishing gear to restart their indigenous trades.

Deputy Foreign Minsiter Husain Baila was also present.

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