Refugees are fearful to resettle near the frontlines. Unexploded shells and landmines in some areas are also causing concern. Military spokesman Sanath Karunaratne says that the Airforce attacked Thenmaratchy on 13 August and destroyed an LTTE camp.
There is an acute shortage of medicines in Jaffna. The X-ray unit in Jaffna hospital is closed due to lack of chemicals. Sanitary conditions in refugee camps are poor and inadequate drinking water is a serious problem in camps at Karaveddy, Point Pedro, Chankanai and Sandilipai, with more than 840 families. Local NGOs say high unemployment has led to poverty, particularly among fisher communities facing severe restrictions imposed by the military. Over 21,100 widows in the peninsula lack adequate help to support their families.
Irregular transport facilities to Jaffna is causing food shortages, rise in prices and is encouraging a thriving black market. Security forces have prohibited travellers from Jaffna to take personal documents, and have confiscated over 300 certificates, such as birth certificates, in the last two months.
According to reports, the security forces are constructing a 12-mile long eight-foot fence from Punnalai junction in western Valikamam to Jaffna town through Arali, to prevent LTTE infiltration. The Army launched a limited operation from Muhamalai, north-east of Chavakachcheri on 26 August and advanced east. Fighting also continued in Nagarkovil and Eluthumadduval areas. The military say six Tigers were killed.
In late August, a note purported to be from Sangilyan Army demanded the resignation of the Jaffna MPs. The LTTE have denied involvement and have accused the rival group, the EPDP, whose leader Douglas Devananda is a minister in the government.