The LTTE killed a soldier at Kuchchaveli Army camp on 3 August. A day later, retired teacher VS Murthy, 63, died and six other civilians were wounded in a landmine attack at Muthur. In mid-August, the Army arrested 20 people, including an old woman at Nilaveli.
The Navy shelled the coastal village of Ilankanthai, south of Muthur on 14 August damaging a school. Fisherman Sadeek was killed during a clash between the Navy and Sea Tigers off Pulmoddai two days later. The Tigers assaulted an Army post in Muthur on 21 August injuring a soldier. In shelling that followed, student P Mohanaruby was wounded.
In Mannar District, Government Agent SM Croos’ driver Anthonydas was arrested on 27 August and taken to Colombo for interrogation. Police allege that he is a Tiger explosives supplier. Fifteen others have also been detained in Mannar and Colombo.
Further south in Puttalam District, Colombo Tamil newspaper Thinakaran journalist S Ganeshan was arrested at Chilaw on 14 August, while recuperating following an accident. Reports say he suffered degrading treatment at the hands of the police.