checkpoint
THE capture of Jaffna paninsulaÆs Kilali area has trapped over 400,000 people in the Vanni. The boat crossing at Kilali earlier organised by the LTTE remains banned under Emergency regulations. Many people in the Vanni want to return to Jaffna, but the only route available currently is through Vavuniya and Trincomalee towns. Every day 2,000 people arrive at Nochchimoddai the military-controlled checkpoint outside Vavuniya seeking a gateway to the south.
The Army daily allows only 25 people into Vavuniya and others must return to Tiger-controlled Omanthai. Thousands of people crossing the no-manÆs-land are turned back, but return the following day to try their luck again. The Army will not permit people between the ages of 15 and 30 fearing Tiger guerrillas hidden among them. The LTTE also enforces its restriction on young people leaving the Vanni. A large number of youths are forced to remain and reports say the LTTE has significantly increased its cadre. Older people and families pay heavy fees for exit permits. Most people are heading for relatives in Colombo or the new twice weekly boat service to Jaffna from Trincomalee which currently has a six week waiting list.
The LTTE strictly screens those entering and leaving Vanni to prevent information on LTTE military positions leaking out. The LTTE is said to control the rice market in the Vanni fixing prices to prevent hoarding. International remittances from relatives seem to be deposited directly into the LTTE-controlled Bank of Tamil Eelam where a large commission is levied on each transfer.
The Tigers who have lost their economic and political base in Jaffna are tightening the screw on the civilian population. More and more Jaffna people want to go home.
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