The Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), who were earlier in control of the islands, say that LTTE supporters assaulted two of their members at Naranthanai on 1 September and wounded them. LTTE supporters are also said to have attacked a regional council office in north-eastern Vadamaratchy.
The Navy arrested 75 fishermen near Kayts on 7 August. They were released after seven hours following the intervention of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), which monitors ceasefire violations. Regulations introduced under the PTA in May 2002 prohibit fishing near military bases. Fishermen say a number of other restrictions on fishing remain.
In August, LTTE's Col. Deepan accused the Army of extending frontlines at Muhamalai, six miles east of Chavakachcheri and constructing new defence structures. He also says that the Army has advanced into LTTE territory in Kilali and Nagarkovil. These issues were discussed at a meeting between LTTE leaders and Jaffna military co-ordinator Sarath Fonseka on 10 August.
Thousands of people demonstrated before the regional council office on 7 August, demanding resettlement in the southern Thenmaratchy region, in areas such as Eluthumadduval, east of Chavakachcheri. The Army has declared many areas in Eluthumadduval, western Valikamam region and the Jaffna islands as 'high security zones'.
Areas around military camps enclosing many civilian buildings also remain zones of high security, including hospitals and schools. Resettlement in these zones have not been permitted. A number of roads are also closed to the public. As a result of these restrictions, displaced people are not able to return home.
Hundreds of people protested on 10 August, demanding the opening of several roads in Jaffna town. Local people say they are not allowed into these areas, but tourists from southern Sri Lanka are permitted. On 2 September, over 2,000 people smashed through a blockade which denied access to Hartley College and Methodist Girls School at Point Pedro in Vadamaratchy. The Army fired tear gas and assaulted journalists. Two students and four soldiers were injured.
The Army ordered the schools to be closed and warned that anyone coming near the blockade will be shot. Around 40 families residing within the area have not been allowed to leave and denied access. People of the area have reported the problem to the Human Rights Commission. Defence minister Tilak Marapane says that the security zones will remain closed to the public.