Jaffna High Security Zone ( HSZ) shrinks 40%, land released to owners, US told
Posted on June 8th, 2012
True Sri Lankan
The largest High Security Zone (HSZ) in the Jaffna peninsula has been reduced by 40 per cent since the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009.
The IslandƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ learns that the gradual reduction has been part of the post-war re-deployment strategy in line with the national reconciliation process.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Asked whether the GoSL was concerned about ongoing protests against HSZ as well as heavy military presence in the Jaffna peninsula, a highƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ranking military officer said that the re-deployment had not been prompted by any politically motivated campaigns. “We selected parts of the HSZ in five stages thereby releasing 1,515 hectares (40 per cent) of the total land area held at the height of fighting.”
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ During a recent visit to Washington, External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris informed the US officials of the reduction in the high security zone in Jaffna. At the time fighting ended three years ago, the military held 4,096 hectares, though current deployment covers only 2,582 hectares and there is the possibility of further adjustments. The government delegation handed over a detailed report on the reduction of the HSZ.
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ There has also been a steady decrease in military presence in the Jaffna peninsula. Jaffna Security Forces Commander, Maj. Gen. Mahinda Hathurusinghe toldƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The IslandƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ that at the time he took over the peninsula on Dec. 7, 2009, there had been 27,000 troops, but today there were only 15,600. “Three Divisions are currently deployed across the peninsula and Jaffna islands. The 51 Div is deployed in the Jaffna sector, 52 Div in Vadamaratchchy and 55 Div at Elephant Pass. DonƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t forget at the time eelam war IV erupted the Jaffna peninsula had the largest single concentration of armed forces and police numbering close to 50,000.”
ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ UK High Commissioner John Rankin recently disputed President Mahinda RajapaksaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s claim with regard to troop presence in former war zones. External Affairs Minister Prof. Peiris summoned Rankin to the ministry expressed the governmentƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s displeasure over the latterƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s statement.
June 8th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
A BLOODY FOOLISH decision which the govt will regret very soon.
15,600 troops not enough in the peninsular. At least 35,000 is needed.
So essentially the govt GAVE INTO Rankin!!
June 8th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
If the govt think s these foolish moves can help it win the northern PC election, they are DREAMING.
TNA will have a LANDSLIDE victory. UPFA politicians will be even unable to campaign as TNA thugs will attack them and people will join in.
Govt has failed to understand the Valla-alla-la mentality.
June 8th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
HE Lorenzo the king,
I agree, this is abosolute dissaster.
I don’t think governement has failed to understand.
Governement is talking to US allies more and more. That is OK if there are good intentions. But why remove our only defence front ?
Something is going on. Where are Charles, Kit Athul and Stanley ?
Can we have some insider news ?
June 8th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
I feel so sad reading the article on our heros who infilterated LTTE areas. IF GOnseka was such an huge hero as he claimed, he must have joined it. HE is the AC ROOM coward. No doubt.
June 8th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
These are static deployments and we have separate mobile deployment from SF which is not seen.
They are highly skill at mobile warfare and PsyOps and surveillance skills and North and East is quite different to old fashion troop deployments… We take take them down if they make mischief.