Closing off Mannar
NEW restrictions, similar to those in Vavuniya, are being introduced for travellers from Army-held Mannar Island to Colombo through Kalpitty in Puttalam District to prevent LTTE infiltration.
Vanni MP Shanmuganathan says over 300 people are held at Kalpitty despite having obtained police permission in Mannar to travel south. Many have been denied permission to proceed and returned to Mannar. Increasing LTTE presence on Mannar Island and the western seas have led to the restrictions and police say a camp would be set up in Kalpitty to accommodate passengers.
According to new procedures a traveller must first apply to the Mannar police. A list of applicants will be sent to Kalpitty police who would make inquiries about relatives or friends in Colombo with whom the applicant proposes to reside. Only after approval by the Kalpitty police, Mannar residents can begin their journey.
In December the boat service between Mannar and Kalpitty was allowed only on nine day
s. As all supplies to Mannar Island must be brought by boat from Kalpitty, restrictions on the boat service and passengers have resulted in shortage of food.
Mannar Government Agent Croos urged an UNHCR delegation from Geneva, visiting Mannar on 11 December, to increase assistance to Mannar District to prevent people leaving for India. In the last four months 8,000 people have fled to India.
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