The security forces are unable to prevent Tiger infiltration of high security zones in the east. The LTTE have launched a number of attacks in Army-controlled areas in the last two months causing high military and civilian casualties. Observers say these attacks may be aimed at diverting the military’s attention from the Vanni, where the Army has captured vast territory.
The Tigers attacked Uthayapuram checkpoint on Kalmunai- Amparai road on 21 September killing a policeman and injuring another. On the same day, the LTTE’s Pistol Group shot dead Army intelligence officer, Kandiah Gopalapillai in the high security Puliyantivu section of Batticaloa town.
The Army arrested 34 people in the town and detained six. Soldiers attacked and wounded farmer S Sathasivam on 19 September at Valaichenai. He was admitted to Batticaloa hospital with injuries. The Tamil groups operating with the Army, shot dead M Puvanarajah, 28, S Yogarani, 30, and V Nageswary, 14, at Kaluvankerni on 28 September. The Army claims that Mr Puvanarajah was a senior intelligence officer of the LTTE. But others say all three were civilians. Batticaloa MP Joseph Pararajasingham has complained to the CIUAD that Alagan Thavamani, 47, a mother of 11 children, remains in detention from 7 August without adequate reason.
The government’s response to LTTE intrusion has been to impose new restrictions on Tiger-controlled areas. In September, North-East Governor Maj. Gen. Asoka Jayawardena ordered the suspension of all resource development programmes in LTTE areas of the eastern districts. A government order already prohibits NORAD-funded programmes in Tiger areas. Provincial Land Commissioner’s funds for excavation of water wells to improve food production have also been withheld. Local MPs have protested saying that these will have no effect on the Tigers, but will badly hit the civilian population.
In Trincomalee District the LTTE attacked a police post in Muthur on 13 September, killing two policemen and wounding 11. A patrol was ambushed two days later in Kinniya and two policemen were killed. On 28 September, the Tigers ambushed an Army patrol in Kantalai killing four soldiers and injuring two others.
In late September 464 refugees from other districts arrived in Trincomalee and were accommodated in the Glass Factory refugee camp. On 30 September, 1,250 people, including the refugees, left for Jaffna in the ship Lanka Muditha.