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. |