STF withdrawal, Muslim farming discussed in Ampara Meeting

[TamilNet, Saturday, 23 November 2002, 17:42 GMT]
After the meeting of the Amparai district committee of the Sub Committee on De-escalation and Normalization, the Defence Secretary Mr.Austin Fernando who led the government delegation and Mr.Kausalyan, LTTE political head for the Batticaloa Amparai district told the press an agreement was reached to implement a phased withdrawal of Special Task Force (STF) camps now located in schools, houses and public buildings.

The meeting was held Saturday at the office of the Akkaraipattu Divisional Secretariat under the chairmanship of the local head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM).

In discussions related to problems confronting the area Muslim community, the meeting decided that an environment will be created so that Muslim farmers are able cultivate paddy without any hinderance in the villages of Vellaveli, Veeramunai, Pattamadu and Konikkal villages.

The conference also discussed the ways to increase better understanding between STF, Police and the LTTE.

The meeting agreed to form a new Amparai district committee to monitor and ensure the implementation of decisions taken in the meeting.

The government delegation comprised Major General Shantha Kottegoda, Officer Commanding of the STF Nimal Ludewke, retired Senior Superintendent of Police Mr.M.A.Majeed and other security officials.

The LTTE delegation comprised Mr.Bawa, political head of the Amparai district and. Ms Banuka, political head of the Batticaloa Amparai district women wing.

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