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by Ramani Kangaraarachchi

Another series of discussions on the resettlement and rehabilitation of the displaced people in the North and East by the Sub-Committee headed by Defence Secretary Austin Fernando was held at Ampara yesterday.

LTTE political leader of Ampara, Varadan, participated in the discussion. "The discussions continue to take place in a cordial manner but it will take time to solve the main demands of the LTTE to resettle the people in government buildings and private houses occupied by the forces in Vavuniya, Batticaloa and Trincomallee areas, sources said. The municipality building in Batticaloa is used as the Brigade Headquarters of the Army at present which they intend to vacate, but it is not easy to find alternative arrangements in a hurry, specially in the High Security Zone.

The Govijana Seva Building in Batticaloa is occupied by the Navy, a senior defence official told the 'Sunday Observer'. It was learned that there was no objection from the LTTE for resettling Muslims and Sinhalese in those areas provided they prove their ownership. However, action will be taken to resettle as many as possible as agreed by the two parties while monitoring the progress by committee, sources said.

However, the naval authorities had taken a different view at the previous discussions in Jaffna when the LTTE wanted the Navy to be withdrawn from the High Security Zone. They were of the opinion that confidence should be built before such a withdrawal coming as the present movements of the LTTE in sea manoeuvres is not to the satisfaction of the Naval authorities. The request made by the LTTE to enter the High Security Zone at night through the eight points agreed was also rejected by the Navy since there was no valid reason for them to enter that zone in the night as all fishing restrictions have been lifted.

Meanwhile, people in Delft have faced immense difficulties due to the stoppage of ferry transport for passengers from Delft to Kudikudduwan in the past six days. The LTTE had stopped the ferry service forcibly to protest the EPDP arrival in Delft. Naval authorities are trying to get this ferry operational again.

The next phase of discussions with the Naval authorities is due to take place in Mannar tomorrow, Monday.

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