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Military threats call off prayers for Vali North displaced

Prayers organised for those displaced in Valikaamam North were called off this week after organisers received threats from military personnel, warning them there would be "consequences" if they went ahead with the prayers, Uthayan reports.

The prayers had been organised by the Poonthalir Women's Forum at the Sunnaakam Sabapathipillai Welfare Centre to pray for the resettlement of those displaced in the region.

Attempts to explain that the event was simply a religious event only increased the threats, organisers said.

Several politicians from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Tamil National People's Front (TNPF), Northern Provincial Council (NPC) and the Vali North regional council had been invited.

Organisers had planned to hand in a petition to the local officer, calling for the rapid resettlement of the displaced.

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