RESETTLEMENT OFINTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE – JAFFNA REFUGEES

Dear Friends,

The LTTE evicted the Jaffna Muslims in October 1990. After the war ended in May 2009, many were hopeful of returning to Jaffna. However, the Government has not addressed their resettlement, and the Jaffna Muslims are scattered all over. Those who have returned are without housing facilities, although the Government had promised relief in many ways. Most of these houses are beyond repairs and were not restored due to many reasons, mainly due to lack of funds by the owners.

NEGLECTED HOMES NOT RESTORED

Many interested parties have been investigating about the resettlement of Jaffna IDPs. Land is a big problem as families have increased over the 25 years since they were 'chased out' in 1990. The Govt. is willing to contribute towards building houses provided lands are identified. Many IDPs are living in the damaged Khadeeja Girls' College, and they need to be resettled. After they leave the school can be repaired by the State. There are others without land and housing. Some IDPs in Puttalam, Kalpitiya etc. are willing to return provided adequate facilities are available.

REFUGEES OCCUPYING KHADEEJA SCHOOL

An extent of land comprising 12 acres has been identified along the main road, half way from Jaffna town to Kayts leading to the masjid on the beach. Br. M.S. Raheem, former President of the YMMA, identified this and a social worker involved is resettling the refugees in Jaffna. The land is owned by some influential families who want Rs. 300,000/- per acre, totaling Rs. 3.6 Million. In our opinion, it is a reasonable amount and the land needs to be purchased. We do not want to miss the opportunity Insha Allah. Hence we are looking for contributors.

Meanwhile, as we are much interested in settling some of the refugees living in make shift areas in Jaffna initially, and Barrie is working out a plan to buy this land for resettlement. We have mentioned about the above to many, who are interested to resettle the displaced and are very enthusiastic about the proposal. As the cost is reasonable and the project is very viable we had a detailed discussion with Raheem, who is one of the prime movers of the project. We want to identify about 10 or 12 persons who can contribute at least Rs. 300,000/- each. We envisage plots for the IDPs, a mosque, community center and shops on the main road to maintain the mosque from their income etc. A plan will be drawn of the project. Raheem is pursuing the documentation with the owners, to check the Deeds and Plan and other documents, before we pay an advance to book the land.

PROPOSED LAND LOCATED ALONG KAYTS – JAFFNA ROAD

We envisage a Trust to be formed with eminent interested persons, who will have full control. The sale or abuse of the land by the IDPs have to be prevented. Suitable legal conditions can be drawn up.

We think that it is a good project with Almighty Allah's Blessings.

If you are interested you can contribute more if you wish to. Kindly let me know your agreement, so that we can keep you as one of the contributors.

Salaams,
A.G.A. Barrie
Ali Azeez
M.S. Raheem