2ND LEAD

Moothoor IDP families hold prayers for safe return to own villages

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 13 August 2008, 12:09 GMT]
Tamil families displaced from Moothoor east following military operation launched by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in April, 2006, and still being sheltered in welfare centers in Batticaloa district and Trincomalee district, are to hold a one-day prayer on August 16 Saturday, a Full Moon Day (Poora'nai), in Amman Temples for their safe return to their traditional Tamil villages, sources said.

Moothoor IDP families are staying in shelters in several welfare centers in Batticaloa district and also in Ki'liveddi, Paddiththidal and Trincomalee cultural hall in Trincomalee city, and are unable to return to their villages in Moothoor East such as Champoor because these villages have been brought under high security zone by the government.

Thousands of IDP families in shelters are unable to visit the historic Sri Paththirakaa'li Temple in Champoor to perform their prayers and vows.

IDP families sheltered in Batticaloa have been requested to observe the prayer at Punnaichchoalai Kaa'li Temple in Batticaloa, others at Ki'liveddi Maariyamman Temple, Paalaththadichcheanai Murukan Temple, and those in Trincomalee town at Trincomalee Paththirakaa'li Amman Temple.

Moothoor IDPs sheltered elsewhere have been requested to hold one-day prayer at Hindu temples located close to their welfare centers.