The land in the village of Naayaaru belonging to Tamils living abroad was fenced off by a Sinhalese man from the south.
Northern Provincial Councillor Ravikaran visited the site of the dispute and discerned that the owners of the land were reportedly in the midst of proceedings to donate the land to the villagers.
The person reportedly occupied the land with the help of surveyors and told the villagers that he did not plan to leave and was unconcerned about whoever the villagers may complain to.
Although the dispute continues, the government announcing that lands belonging to members of the Tamil diaspora could be appropriated will only serve to encourage similar illegal occupations, likely leading to further disputes and confrontations between Tamils in the Northeast and settlers from the south.
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| Photograph Uthayan |