The LTTE police force, headed by P Nadesan, has been in existence since June 1991 and there are already 16 Tiger police stations in LTTE-held Vanni. The Tigers have called on those who have left the Sri Lankan police to join their force. Tiger officers say that their police have received many complaints from Army-controlled areas.
The LTTE is also making arrangements to extend its court system within the areas under its control in the north-east. A law school is already functioning and the LTTE introduced a penal code in 1993. According to Tiger officers, the courts have handled 23,000 cases and summons issued by them have been respected also by those resident in Army-held areas. MP Joseph Pararajasingham declared open the Batticaloa Tamil Eelam District Court at Arasaditivu on 23 November.
The JVP has condemned the establishment of the police stations as a challenge to the sovereignty of the Sri Lankan state. Observers believe that the LTTE will insist on the accommodation of its structures of administration of justice in any solution to the conflict.
The issue of freedom of movement continues to dominate events in the east. Earlier, the police agreed to open three roads within Batticaloa town, but are now expressing reluctance. One of the roads - Lady Manning Drive - connects the Puliyantivu part of the town to Kallady, further south, and remains closed for the past ten years.
The Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalization, which was appointed to examine military high security zones (HSZ), met at Vavunativu on 20 November. Col. Karuna of the LTTE and Army’s Maj. Gen. Shantha Kotagoda took part in the discussions.
Reports say that agreement was reached to open roads that are closed and for phased withdrawal of troops and policemen from houses in Batticaloa District. Currently, 345 houses and more than 30 public buildings are occupied by the security forces. The Committee also decided to allow Tamils and Muslims to resettle in their own lands, both in LTTE-controlled areas and Army-held territory, and begin farming.
Concern has been expressed over the continuing rivalry between militant groups in the Eastern Province. Militant group members who are serving as intelligence officers with the security forces have been targeted. On 2 December, military intelligence officer SM Abdul Azeez was shot dead by a gang of youths. Cader Mohideen was wounded.