SLA delays relocation of Vanni detainees in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Thursday, 28 May 2009, 10:43 GMT]
Plans to relocate the Vanni detainees held in schools turned into internment camps in Jaffna peninsula stall due to the reluctance of Sri Lanka Army (SLA) authorities to allow relocation activities to proceed as planned, Non-government Organizations sources in Jaffna said. SLA is particularly reluctant to establish permanent internment camps for the Vanni detainees in Chavakachcheari Thampu Thoaddam and Kodikaamam Raamaavil areas, the sources added.

However, 670 sheds have been constructed in Raamaavil where the detainees are relocated while 600 additional sheds have been built to intern detainees held in Nelliyadi M. M. Viththiyalayam in Vadamaraadchi and Chaavakachcheari Hindu Ladies’ College.

Both Thampu Thoaddam and Raamaavil areas had been major SLA bases.

SLA fears infiltration by Liberation Tigers into Thampu Thoaddam area as it is located close to the Kachchaay lagoon, the sources said.

Hence SLA authorities do not allow relocation of Vanni detainees in the permanent internment camp in Thampu Thoaddam to continue though they had selected both areas for permanent relocation.

170 workers of Danish demining organization are presently engaged in demining in Raamaavil.

100 workers who had been selected and trained for demining in these areas have been sent home as SLA authorities do not allow relocation.

Jaffna Government Agent, K. Ganesh, however, said that appeal has been made to the SLA authorities and he expects them to allow continuation of the relocation work.

It has been decided to relocate the Vanni detainees held in Koappaay Government Teachers’ Training College hostel, Kurunakar camp and Jaffna University Chiththa Medical College hostel in Kaithadi, in Thampu Thoadam permanent internment camp, the sources said.