Jaffna civilians are concerned over the impunity that security forces enjoy. No action appears to have been taken over the killing of another student, Gunaratnam Vinojan in May. Reports allege that two soldiers from a military camp at Alvai in north-eastern Vadamaratchy area raped a student on 14 July. In a letter to President Chandrika, TULF’s Mavai Senathirajah has urged an impartial enquiry into the incident.
According to reports, the whereabouts of R Gunaratnam, arrested in late June, are unknown. The HRC says 15 people were arrested in June and in early July three people, including Navarajah Banumathy, 41, were detained.
The Army attempted to advance east, from positions in Jaffna town through Ariyalai, on 10 July. Nineteen soldiers were reported killed and another 94 wounded in clashes and the troops returned to original positions. The Tigers claim only eight cadre died.
Diseases are spreading in refugee camps. Local NGOs have urged international agencies to help thousands of displaced people living with friends or relatives. Over 70% of medicines to private pharmacies have not been received following Defence Ministry restrictions. NGOs say hospitals face shortages and the restrictions will worsen the situation.
Agricultural Commissioner’s office says the fighting is preventing cultivation of 17,000 acres of land in Thenmaratchy. According to Jaffna farmers, 25% of the 22,500 acres cultivated in other areas has been affected by severe drought.