IDP situation as reported this week by GAs

Displacement after April 2006

JAFFNA DISTRICT

Situation update

- Minor confrontations between the SLA and LTTE around the FDLs in Muhamalai and Nagarkovil were reported.

- Damages to electricity transformers were once again reported in the Kokuvil area in Nallur DS Division.

- On August 19, staff from Jaffna University held a silent protest to show solidarity with Vanni civilians and called for an end to the fighting.

- The curfew which was relaxed by 30 minutes for the Nallur temple festival remains is still in place from 2100 - 0400 hours

Displacement/ Returns

- No major movements were observed this week.

Sector Developments/Gaps

- Security Forces have released 103 acres of paddy land within the High Security Zone for cultivation. The land belongs to 73 civilians, who are reportedly to receive special identity cards to facilitate access to the area.

- The civilian population in Jaffna has been facing power and energy issues since June 1990, when the Northern Province was cut off from the main national electrical grid. Since then, the Northern population has been using alternate energy sources for both homes and industries. The energy supply has improved since the 1996 returns when the main supply was through generators in Kankasanthurai, generally providing supply every other day to various areas. In September 2007, the Ceylon Electricity Board indicated that they would take steps to be able to generate sufficient power for uninterrupted supply to the Peninsula.

- Media reports indicate that complementary allowance, which support purchase of diesel fuel for the Northern Region Transport Board operations are under threat. This would further affect the mobility of Jaffna civilians. Responding to the Transport Board plea, Commander North Major General Chandrasri  intervened and arranged for diesel to be provided by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to continue operation of civilian buses.