The Colombo government which pursued a military agenda causing the displacement of people in the east, now, works on another agenda. Due to the war unleashed in the east, about two hundred thousand people were displaced from the east. They had to leave their homes, their properties, lose all their earnings and be refugees in camps.

Now, these unfortunate displaced people are coerced to leave the camps, the schools where they are sheltered, only to be re-settled against their own wishes despite the fact that many UN agencies and non-governmental organizations have warned that the security in the areas brought under government control has not been ensured.

These organizations have pointed out that at least one hundred thousand refugees face threats and security concerns. The UN agencies and NGOs in their report stress that the resettlement of the refugees must be undertaken only when their security, honour and respect are ensured.

They have also stated that the displaced people are unable to return to their homes due to fear. Yet, the Colombo government has commenced the re-settlement of these people according to its political agenda ignoring the note of caution by the NGOs and UN agencies.

It is reported that Colombo wants that at least 3000 people are resettled daily and that all the displaced people are resettled within two months.

The political objectives seem to be to crush the LTTE militarily, hold a general election and ensure that the north-east is merged permanently.

It is hurting that certain parties, that want to secure their posts, are supportive to the Colombo government in this matter.

It is nothing but fair that political objectives should not determine the resettlement of the refugees.

An English translation of the Editorial in The Sudar Oli, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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