The Navy has imposed a blockade between Tiger-held Chalai and Alampil in Operation Varuna Kirana (Coloured Rays) launched on 25 May to prevent arms smuggling. The Sea Tigers and the Navy clashed again on 23 September, 35 miles north-east of Mullaitivu. The Navy say four Sea Tiger boats were sunk.
On 22 September, the LTTE’s Voice of the Tigers radio urged the people of Jaffna to avoid travel in government ships such as Lanka Muditha and use only vessels arranged by the ICRC or UNHCR or ships escorted by these international agencies. The LTTE has also issued leaflets in Trincomalee advising passengers to use only vessels flying the ICRC flag. The Tigers accuse the government of using civilians as human shields. They say that on 16 September the Pride of the South carrying soldiers travelled close to the passenger ship Lanka Muditha, thus endangering the lives of the people.
Colombo newspaper Sunday Times columnist Iqbal Athas says Lanka Muditha is also used for transporting troops. He revealed that the Essential Services Commissioner (ESC) has been given the responsibility of chartering ships that carry troops to Jaffna. The responsibility was transferred to the ESC after Navy personnel were found to be involved in corruption.
Reports say the cargo ship Pride of the South had been chartered by the ESC. At the time of the attack, the ship was also carrying 2,500 tonnes of rice for Jaffna. The ESC was appointed under Emergency regulations to execute and co-ordinate all activities relating to the maintenance of essential services.
In Trincomalee, over 4,000 people are registered with the regional secretariat to travel to Jaffna. Another 7,000 are waiting in Jaffna to go to southern areas for purposes such as medical treatment. But the Lanka Muditha left Trincomalee with only 500 passengers on 16 September. Observers believe that Sea Tiger attempt to break the naval blockade will make civilian travel more and more difficult.