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by Ranil Wijayapala

The absence of proper records on original inhabitants of the lands coming under the High Security Zones (HSZs) will be a major issue when resettling people in the Jaffna HSZs, Defence Secretary Austin Fernando said yesterday.

The Army estimates that there are less than 10,000 houses in the HSZs. Figures from the Jaffna GA says show there were around 14,000 to 15,000 houses in the Palaly HSZ. The LTTE's corresponding figure is 29,000, Fernando added.

They also cite different figures for the number of residents in the HSZs. Security Forces place the number of residents at 36,000, the GA at 36,000 people and the LTTE at 145,000.

"This will be a bigger issue and shows how loosely integrated the plan of resettling of people in HSZs is. We are getting a chance to talk about the issue within five days at the Thailand peace talks," he added.

He asserted that three major processes - de-mining, identification of original inhabitants and the provision of infrastructure facilities should be completed before resettling people in HSZs.

"The Government has stressed that these three major issues should be given priority when resettling displaced civilians in HSZs."

Fernando said the Government team in the Sub Committee on De-escalation and Normalisation expects to have further discussions with the LTTE on the report submitted by Major General Fonseka regarding the resettlement of people in limited geographical areas in HSZs.

The SLMM has officially conveyed that a meeting between Major General Fonseka and 'Colonel' Theepan will take place on January 14 in Muhamalai to discuss the report submitted by Major General Fonseka.

"We are expecting that something would happen at this meeting towards reaching a final solution for this issue," Fernando said.

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