Annai Poopathy, a supreme model for Tamils- Ilamparithi

[TamilNet, Sunday, 02 April 2006, 14:15 GMT]
"Annai Poopathy who sacrificed her life, in a fast-to-death protest in March 1988 protesting against the Indian peace keeping forces (IPKF) and supporting the Tamils liberation struggle, is an example for all Tamils to emulate. In all key events, like the local council elections, we have to tell the world that we Tamils stand determined and united in achieving our just aspirations," said S. Ilamparithi, Jaffna district head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam LTTE political wing, presiding at the 18th anniversary memorial celebration held Saturday 10 a.m, at Palai Maha Vidyalayam.

The celeberation was followed by a discussion workshop, on the social tasks facing the nominees to the Jaffna district local authority elections, participated by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarians, LTTE officials, staff and students of educational institutions, parents of martyrs and members of social organisations, in the district of Jaffna, said attendees.

As the first event of the day, the Common flame was lit, by Mr. Kanagalingam, Secretary National Awakening Assembly (NAA) Pungudutivu and Mr. Kunaseelan, Principal, Palai Maha Vidyalayam. Ilamparithi hoisted the Tamileelam National flag while Mavai Senathirajah, TNA M.P and P. Kanagasabai, President Jaffna district Co-operative societies lit the Flame of sacrifice in front of Annai Poopathy's framed photograph.

Following this, Jaffna district TNA parliamentarians Ms. Pathmini Sithamparanathan, Sivanesan, S. Gajendran garlanded Annai Poopathy's picture.

In the memorial day address, Ilamparithy said, "Many National patriots like Annai Poopathy too have sacrificed their lives for redeeming our nation just as our martyrs had. With their sacrifice, and guidance of our national leader, we have arrived at a very important stage in our struggle for liberation. "When the enemy employs military means to defeat us we counter them using the same means; when the enemy tries to defeat us in the political arena we meet on the same ground overcoming all obstacles. Our leadership constantly strengthens and guides us and the liberation struggle adopting superior political and military strategies. In the international stage too, our leader's unique diplomacy has proved to be a formidable and progressive force accommodating universal norms and values, earning us respect.

"In the same manner we too should strive to vanquish all the obstacles placed in the path of our struggle for liberation

"Our enemies try to create an illusion that they have the support of the people. Bur our people have clearly illustrated repeatedly that they are always with the Tamil leadership.

Mavai Senathirajah, speaking at the ceremony said, "The local authority election results in Trincomalee and Amparai districts clearly reveal how the north and east are seen as one Tamil homeland by the people of the east.

"The Thamil Arasu Kadchy has earned a spectacular victory in these two districts where the people were plagued with the atrocities, harassment, abductions, assassinations and restrictions of the Sri Lanka Army aided by the Tamil paramilitaries. "Particularly on the polling day, several restrictions were made to prevent the Tamils from voting in these two districts. But, surprisingly, they had voted in defiance of threats and violence, declaring not only to the south but also to the international community that they stand firm with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the Tamils liberation struggle.

"Although the Sinhala hegemonic national parties, the JVP and the Jahika Hela Urumaya were routed, the polls still demonstrate widespread support in the South to the incumbent President Mahinda Rajapakse who had not made any progressive attempt to deal with the Tamil National question.

"The international community, with the clear evidence that the Eastern Tamils have provided, should exert pressure on Mahinda Rajapakse to recast his policy document to include recognition of Tamil homeland and Tamil rights to self-determination. Without acceptance of these principles Sri Lanks will only be led to a path of destruction.

"The Tamils paramilitaries should be cleared from Tamil Homeland with their weapons if any progress in peace talks is to be achieved, said Mr Senathirajah.

K. V. Balakumaran, an LTTE senior member, delivered the special address followed by speeches made by TNA Jaffna district Parliamentarians, MS. Pathmini Sithamparanathan, Sivanesan and Gajenthiran.