Chettikulam IDPs oppose forced resettlement

[TamilNet, Friday, 05 November 2004, 03:20 GMT]
Official are making efforts to move Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in welfare centers in Chettikulam and Adapankulam in Vavuniya district to Manikfarm area against their wishes, refugees say. The refugees allege that IDPs are being used as a protective shield to soldiers in three Sri Lanka Army (SLA) camps located near Manikfarm area.

Nearly 808 members of 216 families displaced during 1992 due to war are living in the said welfare centers.

Director of Welfare center Sivapragasam Mohanasundaram said that the IDPs are being relocated according to their own wishes and that the move is intended to improve their living conditions.

Nearely 150 families earlier moved to live in Manikfarm area voluntarily. However, only 20 houses have been built for the resettlers. New resettlers are uncertain as to when they will receive assistance to build their houses.





Further, refugees say job opportunities and basic facilites such as schooling for their children are not adequate. Danger from wild elephants is also a concern for many refugees, sources said.