Tamil Diplomat

Myliddy released after 27 years

Samakalam
July 4

Myliddy pier and 54 acre land adjoining it were released yesterday after being under the control of the Army for 27 years were released yesterday.

Myliddy which provided 30% of the overall fish harvest of Sri Lanka, during pre-war periods, and the 54 acre land adjoining it were released yesterday after being under the control of the Army for 27 years.

This event was held yesterday at around 9.30 a.m. at Myliddy. Several persons including the Commanding officer of the SF-Jaffna, Major General Tharsana Hettiarachchi, TNA MP, M.A. Sumanthiran, the Government Agent, MPc, Emmanuel Arnold attended this function.

People visited their released lands with great interest. 50 families have registered themselves for resettling in their lands today.

The people of Myliddy undertook several demonstrations rallies, fasting protest calling for the release of the said area for several years. Political parties also joined the protest from time to time. However the release was deemed to be an impossible task by all.

In this context, a total of 54.6 acres including the Myliddy pier was released yesterday. However the Army did not allow the people to go in freely. They were to come at 9.00 a.m. and were taken in buses to the venue. Although Government media were allowed to go in, in their own vehicle local media was not allowed to do so. They were also taken in , in Army buses.

People took much interest in worshiping at the Amman Kovil which was found to be a dilapidated state. Some people drove their boats in the sea which had found a new freedom.

However people said that the Vihares and luxury building in the un-released lands were hidden from view with high fences. Several houses have been partly or fully destroyed and people will find it difficult to occupy them immediately. Generally the event was conducted under stringent Army Control.

Myliddy pier also has been partly damaged and the pier is under Navy monitoring. Army had put up camps intermittently which will curtail the free movement of the people.