De-mining a priority in resettling IDPs

The government has given priority to de-mine the LTTE’s former stronghold - the Mullaitivu district to expedite the resettlement of the remaining displaced people in the welfare camps in Vavuniya.

Out of the total contaminated area identified to be cleared (1440 Sqkms) in Mullaitivu district, 130 sqkms have already been cleared and displaced families have been resettled.

“Majority of displaced people in the welfare centres are residents of the Mullaitivu district and the government has given priority to de-mine these areas”, Military Spokesman Maj. General Udaya Medawela said that it is time consuming as the area is highly contaminated with mines since the LTTE fought its last battle there.

The entire area needs to be cleared for mines in Mullaitivu district is nearly 1310 sqkms.

According to the military spokesman, the 1,100 Army de-miners and de-miners attached to other eight local and foreign de-mining groups have recovered over 300,600 mines including Anti- personnel mines, anti tank mines and Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) buried by the LTTE.

Of the total 4000 sqkms, over 1,814 sqkms have been cleared for mines in Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts. (SS)