Tamil landowners, residents and elected representatives halted an attempt by Sri Lankan authorities to survey lands in Iyakkachchi, Kilinochchi, reportedly for permanent military acquisition.
The demonstration on Thursday (2 April) disrupted surveying activities as officials moved to measure several acres of land said to belong to 17 Tamil landowners. The area is currently occupied by the Sri Lankan military, with the 4th Battalion of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Regiment operating a camp on the site.
Protesters stated that the lands are ancestral properties of Tamil families and include key community structures such as the Muthumari Amman Temple, a public hall, and a preschool. Landowners said they had been formally notified that surveyors would arrive on 2 April to carry out measurements linked to acquisition plans.
Tamil political representatives, including Jaffna and Kilinochchi District MP Sivagnanam Shritharan and former MP Selvarajah Kajendren, joined the protest.
Landowners noted that they have been protesting for over 16 years for the return of lands seized by the military. When officials attempted to proceed with the survey, demonstrators refused consent, stating they would not allow the acquisition or formalisation of military control.
The protest comes amid repeated government assurances that civilian lands in the North-East would be returned to their owners. Protesters, however, said continued efforts to survey and acquire land contradict these claims.
Tensions escalated during the demonstration, with intelligence personnel, police and military officers reportedly photographing protesters, which participants described as an act of intimidation.
