Landowners displaced from the Valikamam North High Security Zone launched a major protest in front of the Jaffna District Secretariat, demanding the immediate release of their ancestral lands. Religious leaders, Members of Parliament, local council heads, political representatives, landowners, and members of the public participated in large numbers, showing strong support for the demand to resettle displaced families in their original villages.
Police deployed heavy security around the protest site as crowds gathered from the morning. The Myliddy Resettlement Development Committee organized the demonstration and urged all communities and political parties in the Northern Province to extend full support. Protesters emphasized that land rights and livelihood restoration remain their key demands.
37 Years Since Displacement and Renewed Calls for Resettlement.
The protest marks 37 years since the forced displacement of Tamil civilians from Valikamam North on June 15, 1990, during intensified military operations. Thousands of families left their homes under compulsory evacuation and have not yet returned to their original lands. Even after the end of the civil war 17 years ago, authorities still restrict resettlement in several areas while security forces continue to control large tracts of land.
Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of military occupation from civilian lands and the full restoration of property rights. They also highlighted the ongoing struggles of displaced families who continue to live in temporary shelters or as internally displaced persons.
Parallel Vigil at Palaly Junction.
Alongside the main demonstration, a parallel protest is taking place near the Palaly Junction boundary of the Valikamam North High Security Zone from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants in both locations are raising the same demand—immediate release of lands and the right for displaced families to return and live freely in their ancestral homes.
