LTTE obstructs people returning to Allipiddi

LTTE has issued handouts threatening the people returning to Allaipiddi. At a time when the displaced from Allaipiddi, at present sheltered in two churches in Jaffna, are getting ready to return to their homes on the assurances given by Secretary General of EPDP and Minister Douglas Devananda, MP, for their safety and security, the Tigers are causing obstructions, a statement from the Eelam People’s Democratic Party said yesterday.

"Handouts titled ‘Stop the Anti-Social Activity Immediately’, in the name of an LTTE frontal organization ‘People’s Force’ have been widely circulated among the displaced.

"The handout cautions that helping the displaced to get back to their homes is tantamount to helping the perpetrators to carry out more murders. It further warns that nobody should exert pressure on those people to get back and resettle.

"Tigers want more and more people to get settled in areas under their control, which will help them in their recruitment drive and also help them to make use of these people for settlement as a human shield in their areas.

"Hence, they carry out cruel murders, put the blame on the Security Forces, scare the people and induce them to settle in their controlled areas. The recent massacres of innocent people in Allaipiddi and Velanai by the LTTE, is another milestone in this direction. The obstruction caused by them preventing the displaced from resettling in their areas stands testimony for their sinister motive.

"It is a positive sign that the displaced people of Allaipiddi and Vellanai have rejected the LTTE call to get settled in the areas under their control and continue to stay in Jaffna. Minister Douglas Devananda, MP had visited those people, discussed with them of their grievances, gave assurance on behalf of the Government for their safety and is taking every step possible to resettle them in their homes.

Meanwhile, the LTTE is trying hook or by crook to get them settled in their areas. The issuance of the said handout is another attempt in this direction.

"Minister Douglas Devananda, MP has made a plea to the Tamil community to be mindful of the cynical motive of the LTTE and not to get trapped into it," the statement said.