Jaffna High Security Zone to be relaxed

Chaminda PERERA

In a move to restore complete civil administration in the Jaffna Peninsula, the Resettlement Ministry yesterday said certain parts of the Jaffna High Security Zone (HSZ) have been identified for resettlement. The Ministry has instructed Jaffna Government Agent K. Ganesh to discuss resettlement in the Jaffna HSZ with the security authorities and make preliminary arrangements to resettle the people.

According to Resettlement Ministry Secretary M.B. Dissanayake, the Ministry has given complete freedom to the Jaffna Government Agent to discuss with the authorities and obtain permission to resettle people in the Jaffna HSZ.

Dissanayake said resettlement will be carried out in Thellippalai, Kopai and several other areas in the western parts of the Jaffna HSZ provided the Defence Ministry approves it. Army Spokesman Brigadier Ubaya Madawala told the Daily News that discussions about resettling people in the Jaffna HSZ is going on.

“Figures are yet to be decided but plans are under way to resettle people in certain areas in the HSZ,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General Hathurusinghe told the Daily News that resettlement of people can only be done after the de-mining process is completed.

“The de-mining process in the Jaffna HSZ is continuing. We have to ensure that the area in which these people are to be resettled are free from mines and booby traps,” he added.