The military is already in control of the Madduvil-Puthur road, further north, which offered some possibility of supplying troops in southern Thenmaratchy area. The LTTE had cut off all routes to Thenmaratchy, except the road from Point Pedro in northern Vadamaratchy, to Kodikamam, five miles north-east of Chavakachcheri.
Operation Kiniheera VII began on 22 December and troops advanced in three columns, capturing 34 sq km territory, including the strategic Navatkuli bridge. Spokesman Sanath Karunaratne said that the 15-mile Jaffna-Chavakachcheri road was now in military hands. Observers say that the Army have effectively secured Jaffna town from LTTE mortar attack. The LTTE offered limited resistance and is said to be working on strategy to cope with the military’s improved fire power.
While Airforce planes bombed Tiger areas in Thenmaratchy, shelling from military camps continued. Reports say Madduvil school principal Nagalingam Sivasothy, 53, was killed by a shell. The Thenmaratchy regional council has compiled a list of 112 civilians killed and 110 wounded by bombs and shells between 10 May and 24 November.
Reports say that arrests by security forces have increased in Jaffna since LTTE’s Great Heroes Week in November. Ten youths were taken into custody in early December. Jaffna NGO, Human Development Centre’s Nishali Selvalingam was detained, but was released in early December.
The Human Rights Commission is investigating allegations of torture of Thenmaratchy refugee S Ilayarajah. He was arrested by the Army on 11 November and sustained injuries in custody. K Vimalarajah, released on bail by a Jaffna court was arrested again. He is held at Kankesanthurai military base.
Reports say the 3,000 shelters in Jaffna refugee camps urgently need repairs. Poor sanitary conditions in camps are causing concern. The government is reviewing the situation and the 116,000 families on dry rations may be reduced by 50%. According to proposals, families earning over Rs 750 ($9) and those with relatives abroad may not be entitled to food aid from 2001.
Director of Jaffna Hospital Dr Mrs Kanagaratnam told ICRC that a serious consequence of the military situation is the dearth of specialists in certain fields of medicine - orthopedics, neuro surgery, cardiac surgery, rheumatology. The lack of advanced technology in medical investigations, diagnosis and treatment such as radio therapy for cancer patients, laser and echo treatment and thyroid assay is another problem the hospitals face.