Another HSZ road reopened in Jaffna after 35 years with limited access

 

Vasavilan- Thondamanaru road was reopened with limited access for public after 35 years in Palay, Jaffna today. 

A main access road located in High Security Zone (HSZ) of Palaly that connects Thondamanaaru was reopened for public use with limited access after 35 years by the security forces today(10). 

The three kilometers long road connects Thondamanaaru from Vasavilan junction was one of the main access roads that connects other regions with Palaly. 

However, the security forces imposed tough conditions for the users as the majority of the region is still under military custody. 

Accordingly, the road will be open from morning 6 am to evening 5 pm vehicles are barred from stopping or turning in midway.

Pedestrians are barred from accessing the road and photography is also banned during the journey of the trip. The maximum speed limit for the vehicles is 40 km/h. 

Locals have been demanding the return of their residences, schools and public places from military custody for decades despite the civil war that came to an end in 2009. Previous government's assured people to return their lands but failed. 

One local whose land is still under military custody within the designated area of the road asked why the government did not provide full access to the road if it is genuinely wanted to resolve pending wartime issues in North (Northeastern Monitor/ April 10/ 2025)