The body of Iyathurai Inbarajah, 18, was discovered on 19 October in a shallow grave at Kalmadu in Valaichenai. Mr Inbarajah went missing after he reported at Kalmadu Army camp as required by the military. Batticaloa MP Joseph Pararajasingham has written to President Chandrika demanding an investigation. People say at least 29 people have been murdered in the area this year.
On 16 October, ten students of Methodist Central and Shivananda schools were detained by the Army. Reports say the arrests followed an attack by a Tiger posing as a student. Security forces warn that students found outside during school hours will be arrested. All Batticaloa schools have been requested by the military to supply lists of students who have not attended classes for more than a month.
Army officers say students were abducted by the LTTE in October from Arayampathy, two miles south of Batticaloa town. Tamil group EPRLF has accused the Tigers of forced recruitment in Batticaloa and Amparai districts. The EPRLF alleges that each local Tiger organiser has been ordered by the LTTE high-command to enlist at least 50 youths.
Local people say that restrictions earlier imposed on Vaharai continue even after the area was captured by the Army in June. Civilians are allowed to carry only a small quantity of food stuff into the area. In early October, the Army confiscated food from traders although they held permits. Reports say the Defence Ministry has denied permission for implementation of development projects in LTTE-controlled areas in north and west Batticaloa, including plans for supply of electricity.
In two weeks from 10 October, the LTTE knocked down 30 electricity towers in Army-controlled areas, plunging Batticaloa District into darkness and affecting businesses and factories. The Electricity Board says Rs 1.2 million is needed for repairs.
Four members of the Tamil group TELO were killed in a LTTE landmine attack at Arayampathy on 11 October. A Tiger was shot dead by the Army at Pandiruppu two days later. A bomb thrown on the stage during a musical programme on Hindu Deepavali festival day, 19 October, killed Singer T Koushalya and K Sivaprakash. Sixteen other people were injured.