Sri Lanka Releases Landmine-Laden Lands to Tamils in Jaffna
CISR
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(Tamil Guardian) Tamil residents in Tellippalai, Jaffna, are barred from their lands after the Sri Lankan government revealed that 55,000 square feet of the recently "released" 234 acres remain laden with landmines. Despite the end of the armed conflict in 2009, and Jaffna being under military control since 1995, the area is still heavily militarized. The Jaffna District Secretariat warned residents against returning until the land is cleared of mines.
Steps to demine and demarcate the land are planned, but technical studies are required first. Residents, awaiting return for years, demand the return of their lands and demilitarization of the North-East, facing ongoing occupation and damaged properties when land is released.
