Sunday, August 31, 2008

Army releases HSZ land in Jaffna

The army has released a small section of the High Security Zone (HSZ) situated in Ariyalai east between railway tracks and the Kandy-Jaffna A9 road. Army headquarters has authorised the release of 103 acres of cultivable paddy fields on the recommendation of Jaffna Commander Major General G. A. Chandrasiri.

Inter-Agency Standing Committee which represents all INGOs including UN agencies has confirmed the release of land in its latest bulletin.

A senior army spokesman based in Jaffna said the 73 families would be benefited. "We have already given them access to their land. They’ll be issued special identity cards," he said.

Ariyalai is situated in the area controlled by 51 Division deployed in the town and its adjoining areas. He said the return of the civilians would be subject to strict surveillance as part of the security measures to thwart LTTE infiltration.

Responding to our queries, the official said that the release of land had not been on a court order. He said people tend to mix up the release of Ariyalai paddy fields with an ongoing case over cultivable land within the Palaly HSZ. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said the armed forces had initiated discussions with the Government Agent of Jaffna and the judiciary to explore ways and means of facilitating the return of civilians. But this wouldn’t be at the expense of security of the strategic bases, he said. Northern Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Tissara Samarasinghe and Major General Chandrasiri are involved in the ongoing deliberations.

The official said that gradual easing up of restrictions would largely depend on the support received from the civilian community. Emphasising the importance of thwarting LTTE attempts to cause trouble in the peninsula, he commended the civilians for protecting electricity transformers at the risk of their lives.

The LTTE recently damaged several electricity transformers as part of their efforts to harass the Jaffna administration.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Army captures Palamoddai and Ulathuvely areas

The counter terrorist offensive operation launched to liberate Wanni region from LTTE clutches has reached to a significant milestone as the troops of Task Force-2 and 59 Division captured the Palamoddai Town, west of A-9 Road, near Omanthai, and Ulathuvely beach area, 4 km to the north of Kokkutuduvai in the Welioya front, respectively this afternoon, 28 August, the latest report received from battlefront said.

Troops of Task Force 2 advanced along the northwestern border of the Vavuniya district, on the west of the A-9 road have gained the total control over the Palamoddai town area. LTTE terrorists raised their fullest effort to protest this strategically vital area and to delay the security forces advances directing heavy resistance on them. With the fallen of Palamoddai, terrorists have to make more efforts to defend their territory in north of Omanthai area to face the fast moving soldiers towards Kilinochchi, defence sources said.

Simultaneously, troops of the 59 Division advanced to the north of Kokkutoduvai have captured the Ulathuvely area, about 4 km, north of Kokkutoduvai, a strategically important beachfront.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Farmers allowed cultivating lands in HSZ in Jaffna

With the improvement in the security situation in the Jaffna peninsula, the farmers who own paddy land in the Ariyalai East High Security Zone (HSZ) have got the opportunity to cultivate their land. According to the Army Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna (SFHQJ), the farmers have been allowed to cultivate 103 acres of land that lies between the Ariyalai railway track and Jaffna-Kandy road (A-9) from 17 August.

73 farmers who had registered with the Ariyalai East Farmers' association commenced their work on Sunday (Aug 18). The sources said that the each farmer have been issued a special identity card by the civil military coordination office of 512 brigade.

The officials of the farmers association have welcomed the security forces' decision to allow the lands for the cultivation work. They have called the decision a vital confidence building measure between the civilian community and the security forces.

'Peace & Goodwill' continues to remain in Jaffna

A review of all security measures in force, steps taken to prevent robberies and thefts, ongoing humanitarian and welfare projects in the Jaffna peninsula was made during the forum, "People's Council for Peace and Goodwill," assembled at the transit hall in Kankesenthurai Forward Maintenance Area last Sunday (17th August).

The meeting, led by Major General G.A Chandrasiri, Commander Security Forces Jaffna was attended by Chief Hindu Priest in Jaffna Rev Sri Somasundar Paramacharya Swamy, Jaffna Bishop Rt Rev Dr Thomas Soundaranayagam, Jaffna High Court Judge R.T Vignarajah, District Secretary for Jaffna K Ganesh, 51 Divisional Commander Major General L.B.R Mark, Northern Division Deputy Inspector General of Police W.F.U Fernando and a host of other senior Army and Navy officers.

Major General G.A Chandrasiri, giving an updated account of ongoing projects such as Chunnakam power project, Achchuveli industrial zone, Re-opening of Kankesanthurai cement factory, conduct of medical clinics, distribution of dry rations among low income groups, conduct of religious ceremonies and advanced level and grade five scholarship examinations, organizing of an educational exhibition, inter-school sports meet, computer training programme for school drop-outs and coordinated security network, run by combined Police and Army personnel in the peninsula, etc. highlighted that uninterrupted 24-hour power supply to the Jaffna people, has largely helped Security Forces to combat swelling criminal activities, the meeting was told. Establishment of a new rehabilitation centre for children and women, close to the existing Thelippalai one, is also in progress, it was disclosed, as numbers seeking protection from the Security Forces after abandoning LTTE terrorism are on the increase.

It was also pointed out that people over 60 years of age need not seek security clearance for their exit from the Jaffna peninsula. 51, 52 & 55 Divisions, effective from 1st September would issue security clearance for respective areas directly from the Division offices.

Possibilities to relocate Pannai Police station and Jaffna Police Headquarters were also taken up for discussion during this meeting.

Major General Chandrasiri announced that some 700 connections to CDMA telephones are to be restored and given to their owners on the recommendations of the security authorities, the gathering was told.

Matters concerning distribution of foods, arrangements made in connection with Nallur Kovil festival and smooth conduct of affairs in the peninsula, were also discussed during this friendly gathering.