Local authorities warn of landmine danger in Pachchilaippa’l’li in North

[TamilNet, Sunday, 17 October 2010, 05:04 GMT]
Pachchilaippa’l’li Piratheasa Chapai officials have warned the people allowed to resettle in their area by Sri Lanka government to be extra cautious of unexploded devices advising them not to burn the rubbish but to burry them to avoid being injured by them, sources in Jaffna said. This warning comes despite Sri Lanka Army (SLA) allowing resettlement in the area claiming that de-mining of this vast area including Pazhai and Iyakkachchi had been completed. A youth was seriously injured in Iyakkachchi Wednesday when he set fire to the rubbish heap in his compound. Sri Lanka government local officials too have warned the people of this area to be aware of the danger of landmines and other explosive devices that are found in this area.

Pachchilaippa’l’li Piratheasa Chapai area consists of the divisions Pazhai, Puloappazhai East, Puloappazhai, Mu’l’liyadi, Thampakaamam, Tharmakea’ni, Cheranpattu, Maasaan and Iyakkachi where people have been allowed to resettle by Sri Lanka government.

Vast areas of Mukamaalai in this division, however, have not been allowed for resettlement.

Sri Lanka government has not allowed resettlement in many areas in Vanni as they have not been cleared of landmines.

International organizations including European countries limiting their funds to the organizations engaged in de-mining in Vanni has resulted in the delay of de-mining projects in the war ravaged Vanni, Jaffna District Humanitarian De-mining Coordination Office authorities said in a press meet held in Jaffna Secretariat Friday to explain the cause of the delay in de-mining activities in Vanni.

Landmines and other such devices exploding in areas in Jaffna district claimed to have been cleared of landmines and allowed for resettlement by Sri Lanka government have killed and maimed many in the recent past.