Protesters demand return of occupied private lands

Several civil society organizations and youth activists protested in front of the Omanthai military check point along the A9 road in Vavuniya today demanding that the Government take immediate steps to return private lands still being occupied by the military. 

Though the protesters briefly blocked the A9 road, police moved in to ensure that the flow of traffic was not disrupted. 

Those who took part in the protest pointed out that despite earlier pledges made by the Government to return all private lands occupied by the security forces, large sections of private land still remain under military control as they are within the boundaries of military camps. They called on the Government not to mislead the public any longer and to return these lands immediately. 

Story and Pix by Romesh Madhusanka 

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