Acquisition of lands commence at Palaly without the presence of owners. Danger of 996 acres being lost

Surveying work in lands under the control of the Army in Palaly has been commenced yesterday without heeding the people of Palaly and Public Organizations. Around 996 acre of lands are to be acquired.

Lands including the Palaly Air port are under the custody of the Army. The Government continue to say that the Air port and the lands adjoining it are essential for National Security and will not be released to the people. The activities for acquiring Palaly lands were commenced in 1983. They were abandoned later due to war. Plans were made last year to recommence the activities for acquiring the lands.

Strong opposition was expressed in the Coordination Committee Meeting of the Divisional Secretariat of the Vali-North. Same idea was insisted in the Jaffna District Secretariat Coordination Committee meeting.

Earlier the surveying was postponed due to landmines risk in the area. Now that the army has declared that the mines risk is not there, the Survey Department has informed the District Secretariat regarding the surveying. Surveying has been commenced yesterday in the Grama Officer divisions of J/240, J/246 and J/250.

It is notable that the surveying is being done without the presence of the land owners.