IDP resettlement 'election gimmick'
The speedy resettling of war displaced by the government is an election gimmick, the main opposition presidential candidate has claimed.
Addressing an election rally in Kantale, in Eastern Tirincomalee district, Gen Sarath Fonseka has said that it is premature to resettle the internally displaced people (IDPs) as de mining is yet to be completed. The IDPs are being resettled in areas where there are landmines, he said, and the resettled people are still refugees as no infrastructure is established in the areas. Government denies Categorically denying the accusation, the government says Gen (retd.) Fonseka either does not know the facts or trying to hide the real situation. Minister in charge of human rights Mahinda Samarasinghe told BBC Sandeshaya that the government is committed to resettle all IDPs from the north by 31 January as scheduled. The rally held in support of Gen Fonseka's candidacy in Kantale was attended by opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe and other leaders of the supporting political parties. 'Great betrayal' General Secretary of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Tilvin Silva, accused the government of being the "real traitor" saying that it has agreed to accept a Tamil homeland. Minister Douglas Devananda in a ten-point request has urged the government to accept Tamil homeland concept and devolve power into regions that go beyond the 13 amendment to the constitution, said Mr. Silva. He called it 'the great betrayal of the country'. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gen Fonseka and 20 other candidates are contesting the 26 December presidential elections.