Travel restrictions in Vadamaradchi

[TamilNet, Saturday, 10 January 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Measures adopted by the Sri Lankan army in the Vadamaradchi division of Jaffna to monitor and limit the people from the other parts of the peninsula into the region have made life difficult for many, including businessmen who are keen to expand their trade.

The problem is acute because the SLA grants only three day permits to outsiders to stay in Vadamaradchi. The permits are issued at all points of entry into the Vadamaradchi region by the army.

People coming from the no- go areas beyond Vallipuram on the peninsula's southeastern coast have to obtain their stay and entry permits at the Aayaththuchanthi.

Civilians from the Kodikamam area and beyond have to get their permits at Mulli junction; people from Jaffna at Vallai junction and those coming from the general are of Chavakachcheri at Vallipuram junction.

Civilians of Vadamaradchi have to be in possession of resident passes from the 52 -4 brigade headquarters. It is absolutely necessary for civilians in this region to have temporary or permanent resident passes of the Sri Lankan army at all times.

Failure to do so can land one in army incarceration.