Open All Roads in the HSZ- I and II & Remove All HSZ/ SOZ NOW.....!!!

Now IDPs move freely

The Government had given the fullest freedom of movement for the Internally Displaced People to go out of their welfare village to visit their relatives and carry on their private life.

Addressing the media yesterday at the MCNS, Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said when there was a sudden influx the Government had to face some problems to work out certain mechanisms. The situation has gradually improved and the Government looked into every aspect to assist the IDPs.

"The situation of IDPs has been distorted to gain narrow political ends by certain politicians who criticized the Government on the conditions of the IDPs and restrictions of their movement.

As we moved forward, we did not only facilitate them materially but also provided freedom of movement. After visiting the IDP camps, the Australian Foreign Minister commented that he was amazed to observe situation as regards the IDPs in the context of post the conflict situation. On his return he said he would clear the misconception created by the wrong information on the IDPs' situation," he added.

Over 9,000 IDPs were allowed to leave their welfare village and visit their friends and relatives. "They were released after being registering their details in their respective welfare camps. They can spend their time as much as they wanted and return to their welfare village," the Minister said.

He asserted that the roads which were opened in the High Security Zone were not done under any pressure but it was based on the security situation and Intelligence reports. "Some roads were closed in the HSZ due to security threat. Since the security situation has improved the Ministry of Defence decided to open roads except roads in the HSZ- I and II. Security arrangement made in the pre-war period will be systematically revised based on the Intelligence report according to the security situation. RJ

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