Discussions are currently underway to enable permanent Tamil resettlement on lands in Myiliddy that were previously only released under the condition they be used solely for agricultural purposes, according to Jaffna District Secretary Maruthalingam Pradeepan.
The statement came following a meeting between the District Secretary and representatives of the Myiliddy Resettlement Association, who raised concerns over restrictions attached to lands released to displaced families in the Vali North region.
The association had previously met officials at the Presidential Secretariat to address the issue and later followed up with a meeting at the District Secretariat, requesting the removal of temporary conditions attached to the land release. Specifically, the representatives highlighted that although the land had been released, residents were only permitted to use it for agricultural purposes and were prohibited from constructing homes or staying overnight.
Responding to the concerns, Pradeepan stated that the land release process remains ongoing and is being conducted in phases. He confirmed that discussions with the Jaffna District Commander of the occupying Sri Lankan army are in progress to explore converting these lands into permanent residential areas.
He further noted that during a Jaffna District Coordinating Committee meeting held on 31 January, attended by Sri Lankan president Anura Kumra Dissanayake, the importance of land release and the reopening of the Palaly Road was raised.
Despite these developments, the District Secretary acknowledged that the 234 acres of land released have been designated exclusively for agriculture. These lands remain under the control of the Sri Lankan military, which continues to impose strict limitations on their use. Farmers are required to vacate the area by evening, and the military has prohibited the construction of temporary shelters or overnight stays.
The meeting was also attended by District Additional Secretary (Land) P. Jayakaran, resettlement branch officers, and other relevant officials.
The continued restrictions have drawn criticism from displaced Tamil families who have long demanded full restoration of their lands - free from military oversight. Myiliddy, like other areas in Valikamam North, remains one of the most heavily militarised regions in the North-East, where land seizures and delayed resettlement continue.
