Thread by @dharsha_J

Protestors from Irainateevu start marching towards coast - they began their protest on May 1, 2017 demanding their land back. They have been refused access to their island since 2008, cutting off vital sources of livelihood, especially for women. #kilinochchi #lka

"Let us live let us live" protestors chant. The navy has refused to allow villagers to return to their native Irainateevu even for their traditional fishing livelihoods making it much more difficult to survive and in effect cutting women out of the workforce.

Villagers now heading to Irainateevu in boats with white flags to try and see their land and negotiate with navy directly. Accompanied by a few fathers, lawyers, civil society and journalists. #kilinochchi #lka

Villagers land is Irainateevu and are exuberant stepping on their own lands - navy boat originally at dock turns away #kilinochchi #lka

Villagers gather in destroyed church and begin praying #Irainateevu #kilinochchi

While villagers prayers can be heard lawyers, fathers and local community heads begin talks with navy who have arrived - demanding return to their lands and a guarantee this will be done today.

Navy officers say only their commander can take a decision so villagers have stated they'll wait until commander comes and gives guarantee of when land will be returned. Local government officials have also been informed and called to come so a decision can be taken. #Irainateevu

Villagers from Irainateevu are so happy to finally break their own coconuts, see their cattle and hope that finally they'll be able to return to their livelihoods and stop living off debt. #Irainateevu

Women are so excited to return to collecting mussels, crabs, prawns and seafood. A return to independence for them so they don't have to depend on men in the village, particularly for over 60 woman-headed households. #irainateevu

UPDATE: About 100 villagers from Irainateevu stayed overnight on the island. They have yet to receive word from navy/govt and are still waiting on a guarantee for when their land will be released. Is @TNAmediaoffice taking this up with govt and navy? #kilinochchi #lka