In May, five PLOTE members were killed by a landmine in Vavuniya and Vanni MP V Balachandran’s home was attacked in June. Observers say the landmines are increasingly used to target opponents, after military operations in Vavuniya effectively prevented LTTE’s Pistol Group from carrying out selective assassinations.
In the Vanni, as fighting continues around Mankulam, the civilian population is increasingly vulnerable. Reports say that a large number of people, including over 500 children, are begging in the streets to keep life and limb together.
The Defence Ministry, claiming that part of the fuel to the Vanni falls into the hands of the LTTE, has decided to further reduce fuel supply. The government agents have been ordered to submit details of vehicles, fishing boats and water pumps currently in use. Although the Defence Ministry is said to have approved supply of 2,550 barrels of fuel, only 1,000 barrels a month have been received in Kilinochchi District since July 1997.
Some 18,200 of the 35,600 displaced families in Kilinochchi District were receiving relief. Following last month’s government decision to slash food aid, only 8,800 families will be entitled to assistance. Press reports say that 15 people died in Pooneryn area as a result of lack of food.
The quantity of medicines supplied to the Vanni continues to fall and hospitals suffer. Although 1.6 million malarial tablets were requested for the first quarter of 1998, Colombo allowed only 300,000. For the second quarter, 1.65 million tablets were requested but none has been received. Vanni residents say many people have contracted malaria several times - some even six times.