SLA denies permission for paddy cultivation in Thenmaraadchi

[TamilNet, Friday, 29 August 2008, 06:55 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in Jaffna denied permission for the Maha Season paddy cultivation in areas adjoining its High Security Zone (HSZ) in Ma'ravanpulavu, Thanangki'lappu and Koayilaakka'ndi in Thenmaraadchi, depriving thousands of Internally Displaced families of their sole livelihood, farmers representatives in Jaffna said. The farmers have repeatedly requested Jaffna Government Agent to allow them to cultivate their paddy fields.

SLA had not allowed any agricultural pursuits in Thenmaraadchi following its offensives on Jaffna in year 2000.

The farmers, however, were allowed to cultivate in certain areas following the Cease Fire Agreement between Sri Lanka government and Liberation Tigers of Tamileelam (LTTE), in 2004 and 2005.

When SLA again imposed its ban in 2006 the IDP farmers had sought the help of Jaffna GA to permit cultivation in their paddy fields in Thenmaraadchi.

The year end Maha season paddy cultivation which depends entirely on the monsoon rains has to be begun now, the farmers said.