LTTE continues to infiltrate Jaffna disrupting reconstruction, despite a massive security blanket. Reports say seven soldiers were killed in an attack at Meesalai in Thenmaratchy in early August. Two Tigers were killed and four soldiers wounded in a clash at Thikkam on 4 August. A soldier was seriously injured in a grenade attack at Uduvil in western Valikamam area. Two women LTTE cadre injured in clashes that followed, committed suicide before capture. Four soldiers were injured in a Tiger attack in early September at Urani.
Farmers in southern Thenmaratchy say they are unable to pump water to the fields because of restrictions on kerosene. Jaffna Traders Association complains that kerosene is sold illegally in some areas at exhorbitant prices.
The ban on deep sea fishing has badly affected Jaffna fishermen. Currently fishing is allowed only within a mile from the shore during the day. Request for compensation by many fishermen who have lost their boats and fishing equipment in the fighting, has been denied. Over 1,800 houses of fishermen in the Gurunagar area are damaged.
In early August, over 8,000 displaced people were resettled in Thenmaratchy and UNICEF will assist in establishing health and educational facilities. Reports say UNHCR will build reception centres in Kankesanthurai and Gurunagar for refugees arriving from the Vanni. Since March over 18,000 people have arrived in Gurunagar from Mannar.
Former Jaffna GA, C Pathmanathan and five officers were arrested in late August under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on allegations of siphoning Rs 108 million ($2 million) for the LTTE over a five-year period from food aid funds.