Military complex in heart of Jaffna unacceptable - Thamilchelvan

[TamilNet, Monday, 31 March 2003, 16:28 GMT]
"We are totally opposed to the re-occupation of lands in the Jaffna Municipal area and the setting up of a large military complex in the heart of the city," said Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) political head, S.P.Thamilchelvan, in a letter to Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) Minister of Defense Tilak Marapone today, sources in Vanni said.

Extracts from the letter follow:

"A very grave situation of civil unrest is gaining momentum in Jaffna following your Government’s decision to relocate the present Brigade Headquarters located at the Gnanam and Subash Hotels to a vast stretch of territory in the Jaffna Municipal area consisting of lands belonging to the former Town Hall, Jaffna Municipal Council offices, Rest House, Police Department incorporating the Jaffna Fort and surrounding areas. The civil and political organisations of Jaffna are alarmed and concerned over the scale and magnitude of the re-location programme in the heart of old Jaffna city in close proximity of two important reputable schools, Jaffna Public Library, Thuriappah Stadium and the new court complex to be constructed in that area.

"While we appreciate the decision of the Sri Lanka army to vacate the Subash and Gnanam Hotels, we are totally opposed to the re-occupation of lands in the Jaffna Municipal area and the setting up of a large military complex in the heart of the city. Our delegation at the Hakone talks registered its displeasure and warned the government of massive public protests. On behalf of the people of Jaffna, we urge you to reconsider your decision and find an alternative location outside the Jaffna Municipal environment with the consultation of the LTTE."

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