Residents and landowners from Myliddy, Valikamam North staged a protest on Friday (May 8) for the third consecutive week in front of the military Commander's bungalow, demanding the release of their lands which continue to remain under military occupation as part of a High Security Zone (HSZ).
The protesters, belonging to the Grama Sevaka divisions 256, 248, 251 and 255 in Valikamam North, stated that they were forcibly displaced from their ancestral homes in June 1990, after the area was declared a High Security Zone during the armed conflict.
Despite nearly 17 years having passed since the end of the war, the lands remain under the control of the Sri Lankan military, with civilians still denied access to their homes, properties and livelihoods.
Landowners noted that they have been engaged in a prolonged struggle over several years demanding the release of their lands, but successive governments have failed to return the occupied areas.
Frustrated by the continued inaction, the affected residents decided to launch weekly protests every Friday until their lands are released. Friday’s demonstration marked the third consecutive protest held under the campaign.
The protesters urged the government and military authorities to immediately release their lands and allow displaced families to resettle in their rightful lands.