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Jaffna refugees refuse to accept the new relief plan of the government

The letter stated, “we have been displaced for more than fifteen years and had to leave our native villages because of the Government’s high-security zone’s uncompromising iron curtain. We lived in the freedom of our own land and established our livelihood. This was heartlessly taken away from us and we have received meager relief. We have been deprived from our own farmlands and own seas, unable to cultivate land and fish, and re-develop our livelihood. The relief has only filled less than half of our stomachs and we can not fulfill our basic food needs.”

Refugees further expressed in the letter, “with the second reduction of monthly relief from Rs. 1,260 to merely Rs. 700, we will not be able to survive the rising cost of living. We are shocked that the deceitful actions of those in power are assisted by our own officials. We refuse to accept this relief support to express our pain and despair at this heartless decision that affects our lives.”

After taking away the livelihood of the displaced families, the Government provided relief of Rs. 1,260 each month, thus avoiding international criticism. The steady reduction of this meager amount now reveals their actions are inhumane.

Refugees closed the letter by pleading, “we urge the GA to take immediate action so we can return to a normal and healthy life that has been taken away from us.”

14 November 2005

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