IDPs returning from southern Sri Lanka are also affected. Proof of residence from Regional Council secretaries in southern Sri Lanka are not being accepted by most Grama Sevakas (Village Headmen) in Jaffna for rehabilitation assistance. But letters of proof of residence from the Vanni are accepted.
The Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalization met in Omanthai on 10 November. Tiger leader Col. Karuna and Defence Secretary Austin Fernando attended. The Committee agreed that fishermen from eight ports on Jaffna islands of Punkudutivu, Neduntivu and Karaitivu and Mathagal in the peninsula would be allowed 24-hour fishing.
Fishermen have welcomed the decision. But the LTTE say that 25% of Jaffna remains as high security zones (HSZ) and this is making resettlement difficult. According to the Tigers, 29,525 houses, 300 schools, 25 roads and many temples lie within HSZs. Over 42,200 acres land cannot be cultivated affecting 16,000 farmers. Forty industries which employed 1,700 workers remain closed.
Jaffna Army commander Sarath Fonseka and Tiger leader Col. Deepan took part in the meeting of the Sub-Committee on Immediate Humanitarian Needs, in Muhamalai on 16 November. The Army refused to consider LTTE proposals for resettlement, alleging that return of civilians to HSZs will jeopardise security. The Army urged the LTTE to refrain from encouraging students to take part in demonstrations.
On 20 November, 2,000 students marched in Jaffna and submitted a petition to the Government Agent (GA) on the presence of the Tamil group EPDP on Neduntivu Island. Two days earlier, over 300 people began a protest on the island, demanding removal of EPDP’s office. The police used tear gas and attacked the civilians. According to reports, twenty people sustained minor injuries.
The people say that EPDP had earlier joined the security forces committing atrocities against civilians. EPDP alleges that the protests are inspired by its rival, the LTTE. The EPDP office was attacked on 5 November, but the officers who fled returned ten days later. Demonstrations continued for the rest of November.
The Guardian Association for the Disappeared staged a protest before the Jaffna government secretariat on 2 December demanding information about people disappeared in 1996. The Human Rights Commission says it has appointed a committee headed by former Jaffna GA Devanesan Nesiah to enquire into disappearances in Jaffna in 1996 and 1997.