Protests on International Day of Disappeared signal emboldened resolve for justice
[TamilNet, Friday, 30 August 2019, 23:39 GMT] The families of Eezham Tamils subjected to enforced disappearances at the hands of the occupying Sinhala military and its paramilitaries in the past staged two coordinated demonstrations in the North and East on the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared on Friday. More than 500 people, including the grassroots activists and supporting politicians, marched for two hours from Pa'nrik-keytha-ku'lam to Oamanthai, the former entry point to the erstwhile de-facto state of Tamil Eelam. Those handed over to the occupying Sinhala military at the entry point in Vavuniyaa, and at Vadduvaakal in Mullaiththeevu were taken to undisclosed detention camps, and their whereabouts are since not known. The wives and the mothers of the missing persons denounced the reparations mechanisms of the so-called Office of Missing Persons (OMP) and demanded international justice.
Unlike the other protests held earlier, the latest mobilisation has boosted the resolve of the protesters, the grassroots activists who took part in the event told TamilNet.
“The International Community and the United Nations Organization are not in a position to understand the cunningness of the Sri Lankan government, reiterating us to find the solution from the OMP. Hence, we who lost faith in the Sri Lanka government are now compelled to convince the international community, the lack and powerlessness of the OMP,” said the joint statement released by the eight district organisations of the kith and kin of the missing persons.
The organisations have come together under the umbrella of Association for the Relatives of the Enforced Disappearance (ARED).
“The OMP is just one, like the previous commissions constituted by the Sri Lankan government time to time to investigate matters regarding missing persons and nothing significant to do something newly and constructively,” said Mrs A. Leelthevi, the secretary of the ARED. Her statement was read out at the rally.
The umbrella organisation was behind organising the main protests at Oamanthai in the North and at Tharavai Pi'l'laiyaar temple in Ampaa'rai in the East. The organisers were also marking the 922nd day of their continuous protest.
Furthermore, the OMP had totally failed to establish its credibility on five specific ‘acid-test’ cases provided by the formation to Saliya Peiris, the chairman of the OMP, she said.
The protesters marked their 922nd day of continuous protest and issued the details of 53 parents (including one couple in Ampaa'rai), and kith and kin who have perished during the constant protest. Ultimately, the SL State wants the protest to fade away. However, their protest would be further emboldened, the organisers said.
The district organisations released the details of the parents who have lost their lives during the continuous protest. The release of the compilation was seen as expressing their emboldened resolve in pursuing justice.
The details follow:
Jaffna District
Maasilamani Pushparani (age 63) - Vettrilaikeni, Jaffna Maasilamani Pushparani passed away on January 23, 2019. Her daughter, Maasilamani Suvitsala (age 19) was arrested by the army in Umayalpuram, Kilinochchi on November 23, 2008. She became a victim of enforced disappearance ever since. Pushparani participated in protests in search of her daughter.
Kanthiah Nadarajah (age 82) - Nallur, Jaffna Kanthiah Nadarajah, who was sick passed away on July 21, 2019. His son, Nadarajah Ahilarasan (age 23) was abducted by the military intelligence officers from Chavakachcheri on May 18, 1996. In 1998, Nadarajah filed a case with the High Court of Colombo regarding his son’s abduction and identified the abductors in the court. However, the court dismissed the case, stating inadequate evidence.
Kilinochchi District
Arumugam Thuraisingam (age 80) - Thiruvaiyaru, Kilinochchi Arumugam Thuraisingam who had suffered from prolonged illness and depression due to worries about his missing daughter and grandchildren, passed away in February 2019. His daughter, Nimalanathan Sumathi (age 39), son-in-law, Ramanathan Nimalanathan (age 40), and their children, Nimalanathan Kalaiyarasan (age 11), Nimalanathan Sintharasi (age 8), and Nimalanathan Kokalai (age 5) became victims of enforced disappearance in 2009 during the last phase of the civil war after surrendering to the army in Vadduvakal, Mullaitivu. Thuraisingam along with his wife Annalakshmi had been searching for his daughter and her family for the past ten years.
Chidambarampillai Yogarasa (age 55) - Kanakampikaikkulam, Kilinochchi Chidambarampillai Yogarasa died of myocardial infarction on September 29, 2018. His son, Yogarasa Amalan became a victim of enforced disappearance during the last days of the civil war in 2009. A photo of him believed to have been taken while being detained after surrendering to the army was published in the media. His wife, Yogarasa Kanagaranjani is the head of the Association of the Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared from the North and East. She actively pursues justice for her son and other victims of enforced disappearance. While he was alive, Yogarasa took part in many protests along with his wife.
Raman Kathirvel (age 78) - Shanthapuram, Kilinochchi Raman Kathirvel died of myocardial infarction on May 11, 2018. His three children became victims of enforced disappearance. His sons, Kathirvel Ravi (age 18) and Kathirvel Balasubramaniam (age 13) disappeared in Ambalkulam, Kilinochchi, an army territory in 1996. His daughter Kathirvel Sivananthi (age 21) disappeared in Vadduvakal during the last days of the civil war in 2009. Amidst poverty, the search for his missing children made him sick and finally took his life.
Easwaran Uruthradevi (age 52) - Uthayanagar, Kilinochchi Easwaran Uruthradevi died of myocardial infarction on August 31, 2017. Heartbroken over her missing son, she was severely depressed. Her son, Easwaran Janarthanan (age 21) became a victim of enforced disappearance in Vadduvakal on May 17, 2009 during the last days of the civil war. Believing her son to be in the custody of the Sri Lankan government, she continued to participate in many protests while she was alive.
Vaithilingam Yogaratnam - Vaddakkachchi, Kilinochchi Vaithilingam Yogaratnam passed away on January 27, 2019. His daughter, Yogaratnam Vijitha (age 30) surrendered to the army in Irattaivaikkal, Mullivaikkal on May 16, 2009 during the last days of the civil war. She was taken by the army for inquiry and became a victim of enforced disappearance. Yogaratnam took part in various protests in the hope of reuniting with his daughter.
Kanagaraththinam Maheshwari (age 58) - Vaddakkachchi, Kilinochchi Kanagaraththinam Maheshwari died of myocardial infarction on July 05, 2018. Her three sons, Kanagaraththinam Vajiruban (age 29), Kanagaraththinam Pratheepan (age 28), and Kanagaraththinam Kayatheepan (age 25) became victims of enforced disappearance. They disappeared at different places during a displacement in the year 2009 towards the end of the civil war. Losing her three children made her mentally ill and she underwent psychiatric treatment while she was alive. She continued to fight for justice in the hope of seeing her children again.
Thuraisingam Easwari (age 50) - Ananthapuram, Kilinochchi Thuraisingam Easwari, who was suffering from hypertension passed away on June 22, 2017. Her eldest son, Thuraisingam Satheeshkaran became a victim of enforced disappearance on April 20, 2009 during the final phase of the civil war. Easwari participated in various protests in search of her missing son.
Velupillai Rasamani (age 77) - Kilinochchi Velupillai Rasamani passed away suddenly on August 22, 2019. His daughter, Rasamani Kirushanthi became a victim of enforced disappearance after surrendering to the army in 2009 following the end of the civil war. Despite old age, Rasamani took part in the ongoing continuous protest happening in Kilinochchi while he was alive.
Mullaitivu District
Konaamalai Ponnambalam (age 69) - Kaiveli, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu Konaamalai Ponnambalam passed away on November 22, 2017 due to hypertension. He repeatedly searched for his missing son, Ponnambalam Jatheeswaran (age 27) and participated in many protests. His son surrendered to the army in Vadduvakal, Mullaitivu on May 16, 2009 during the final days of the civil war and became a victim of enforced disappearance.
Sebastiampillai Arokianathar (age 61) - Kaiveli, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu Sebastiampillai Arokianathar passed away in October 2017 while being treated after meeting an accident. He persistently searched for his missing son, Arokianatha Royson (age 23) and participated in many protests. His son became a victim of enforced disappearance in Iranaipalai, Puthukkudiyiruppu on March 04, 2009 during the final phase of the civil war.
Anthony Anton Alfred (age 60) - Valluvarpuram, Visuvamadu, Mullaitivu Anthony Anton Alfred passed away on December 25, 2018 while getting treated at a hospital. Worrying about his missing son, he had been sick for a long time. While he was alive, he continued to search for his missing son, Anton Alfred Pushparasa (age 19). He participated in many protests, seeking justice for his missing son. The protest held in Mullaitivu on Human Rights Day (December 10) 2018 was the last protest he took part in. His son became a victim of enforced disappearance in May 2009 during the final days of the civil war in Mullivaikkal.
Shanmugarasa Vijayalakshmi (age 65) - Thevipuram, Mullaitivu Shanmugarasa Vijayalakshmi suddenly passed away suon January 07, 2019. Worrying about her missing son, she got sick and was receiving medical treatment. She had been searching for her missing son, Shanmugarasa Arjun (age 19), who became a victim of enforced disappearance in May 2009 within the army territory during the final days of the civil war.
Savarimuthu Yesuratnam (age 70) - Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu Savarimuthu Yesuratnam passed away on February 09, 2019. Worrying about his missing daughter, he got sick and became mentally affected. He had been searching for his missing daughter Yesuratnam Mary Ahalya (age 24), who became a victim of enforced disappearance on May 18, 2009 in Vadduvakal after surrendering to the army.
Sebamaalaimuthu Teresamma - Iranaippalai, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu Sebamaalaimuthu Teresamma passed away on July 24, 2019 due to myocardial infarction. She had been searching for her missing son, Sebamaalaimuthu Jebaprakash and participated in the ongoing continuous protest, which is happening in Mullaitivu. Worries about her missing son made her very sick. Her son became a victim of enforced disappearance on July 01, 2008 after getting arrested by the navy in Mannar.
Velupillai Viyazhamma (age 86) - Keppapilavu, Mullaitivu Velupillai Viyazhamma died of old age on July 13, 2019. She had been searching for her missing son, Velupillai Thiyagarajah (Ranjan) for the past 30 years. Her son became a victim of enforced disappearance after getting arrested by the navy in Erukkalampiddy, Mannar in the year 1990.
Velu Saraswathi (age 72) - Mankulam, Mullaitivu Velu Saraswathi died of myocardial infarction on February 12, 2019. She had been searching for her missing daughter Velu Suvitra, who became a victim of enforced disappearance in 2009 during the last days of the civil war in Mullivaikkal. The search for her daughter came to a close with her death as she was the sole witness to her daughter’s enforced disappearance.
Thevasagayam Mariamalar (age 69) - Silavaththai, Mullaitivu Thevasagayam Mariamalar died of myocardial infarction on June 13, 2018. She was suffering from anxiety and stress for a long time. Mariamalar’s daughter, Thevasagayam Sagayanayagi (age 33) became a victim of enforced disappearance in 2009 during tahe last days of the civil war in Mullivaikkal. Her grandson, Punniyamoorthy Jeyanthan (age 21) too became a victim of enforced disappearance in 2009 during the last days of war. Searching for her daughter and her grandson, Mariamalar took part in many protests.
Ponnuthurai Thirugnanasambanthar (age 61) - Kanukkeni, Mulliyawalai, Mullaitivu Ponnuthurai Thirugnanasambanthar died in an accident on August 22, 2019. His wife Jeyadevi is currently undergoing medical treatment after suffering serious injuries in the same accident. Thirugnanasambanthar, who was severely depressed due to worries about his missing son, took part in many protests while he was alive. His son, Thirugnanasambanthar Vakesan (age 19) became a victim of enforced disappearance in Mullivaikkal on April 14, 2009 during the last days of the civil war.
Sabapathipillai Thanabalasingam (age 62) - Karunaddukkeni, Mullaitivu Sabapathipillai Thanabalasingam died of illness on November 21, 2017. His son, Thanabalasingam Prakash (age 20) became a victim of enforced disappearance in Mullivaikkal when he left for the army territory to surrender. The incident happened during the last phase of the civil war in 2009. Having lost his son, Thanabalasingam along with his wife took part in many protests and appealed to various commissions.
Mannar District
Pavilu Santhiyogu (age 70) - Periya Pandivirichchan, Mannar Pavilu Santhiyogu, who was sick for a long time suddenly passed away on January 01, 2019. His son, Jude Colin (age 25) surrendered to the army on May 20, 2009 in the presence of the priest of the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu and became a victim of enforced disappearance. Despite all the evidence of his surrender, unable to receive any information on his son, Santhiyogu became severely depressed while he was alive.
Amalan Leon Assunta Peiris (age 55) - Mutharipputhurai, Mannar Amalan Leon Assunta Peiris died of myocardial infarction on October 14, 2017. Her husband Amalan Leon and her son Roshan Leon were abducted by those who came in a white van in Colombo and became victims of enforced disappearance. Nine years ago, twelve national identity cards were recovered from a secret naval camp in Colombo, confirming those who were abducted are being detained and tortured. Assunta Peiris is the mother of one of the owners of the recovered identity cards. While the case pertaining to this is being heard in a court in Colombo, Assunta tirelessly participated in the struggle for justice for the victims of enforced disappearance in the hope of seeing her husband and son again.
Mariyan Saroruban Cruz (Rajan) (age 54) - Silavathurai, Mannar Mariyan Saroruban Cruz died of myocardial infarction on May 08, 2017. His son, Xavier Sothirajan Dias became a victim of enforced disappearance on September 07, 2007 within the army territory while he was travelling towards Murunkan via Murunkan-Silavathurai Road during a displacement. He had filed complaints with various authorities and participated in the protests in the hope of seeing his son again.
Vavuniya District
Kandaiah Ariyareththinam (age 71) - Koomankulam, Vavuniya Kandaiah Ariyareththinam, who was severely depressed due to worries about his missing children, suddenly passed away on November 26, 2017. He and his wife participated in many protests in search of their missing children. Two of his children are victims of enforced disappearance. His eldest son, Ariyareththinam Jeevaraththinam (age 18) went missing in 1990 in Omanthai, Vavuniya. Another son, Ariyareththinam Gopinath was forcibly abducted by those who came in a white van from his home in Veerapuram, Vavuniya in June 25, 2008.
Ariyathas Bhuvaneshwari (age 64) - Vavuniya Ariyathas Bhuvaneshwari passed away on January 10, 2018. She was suffering from hypertension and a cardiovascular disease due to worries about her missing son. Her son, Ariyathas Vijayakumar was arrested by the army on August 15, 2000 in Nelukkulam junction, Vavuniya while returning home from manual work. In search of her son, Bhuvaneshwari appealed to the Human Rights Commission. Through them, she filed a case in High Court, Vavuniya and attended hearings for six years. The case was dismissed after six years, stating inadequate evidence. However, she continued to fight for justice for her missing son and participated in many protests.
Rasanayagam Dilanthini (age 24) - Koomankulam, Vavuniya Rasanayagam Dilanthini, who is an individual with special needs died of myocardial infarction on July 20, 2018. Amidst poverty, she participated along with her mother in the ongoing continuous protest by the relations of the victims of enforced disappearance, which is happening in Vavuniya. His brother, Rasanayagam Jenisraj was abducted in Negombo in 2007.
Velayutham Selvarasa (age 56) - Omanthai, Vavuniya Velayutham Selvarasa died of hypertension on August 20, 2019. Amidst sickness, he continued to take part in protests along with his wife. His son, Selvarasa Achchuthan (age 26) surrendered to the army at Omanthai checkpoint in May 2009 and became a victim of enforced disappearance. Selvarasa, who had been searching for his son ever since participated in the continuous protest, which is happening in Vavuniya for 913 days before passing away.
Trincomalee District
Kanthasamy Parameshwari (age 65) - Thampalakamam, Trincomalee Kanthasamy Parameshwari passed away on May 05, 2015. Her three sons became victims of enforced disappearance. Kanthasamy Gengatharan disappeared in 1990. Kanthasamy Krishnakaran disappeared in 1999. Both went missing in the city of Trincomalee. Kanthasamy Muralitharan went missing in Thampalakamam in the year 2008. Parameshwari took part in various protests even though she was depressed and worried due to the subsequent disappearance of her children.
Veerakaththi Amirthalingam (age 67) - Thampalakamam, Trincomalee Veerakaththi Amirthalingam died of myocardial infarction on November 30, 2017. Her son, Amirthalingam Mathan (age 22) became a victim of enforced disappearance after taken away by those who identified themselves as military intelligence officers on May 15, 2008. Amirthalingam appealed to various parties about his missing son. He continued to participate in protests with his wife.
Suntharampillai Arunthavam (age 84) - Kiliveddy, Trincomalee Suntharampillai Arunthavam passed away suddenly on July 01, 2018. Her son, Suntharampillai Mohanarajan (age 18) became a victim of enforced disappearance in Thoppur, Trincomalee on July 04, 1998. She participated in various protests in search of her missing son.
Navarathinam Pathmavathi (age 61) - Kiliveddy, Trincomalee Navarathinam Pathmavathi passed away on May 07, 2018. Her son, Navarathinam Kugenthiran (age 14) went to work on a paddy field in Kiliveddy on August 07, 1995 but did not return home. Pathmavathi appealed to various parties regarding her missing son and took part in various protests in the hope of getting him back.
Raman Kamalam (age 70) - Kappalthurai, Trincomalee Raman Kamalam passed away in the year 2018. Her son, Krishnakumar (age 26) worked at the air force base at China Bay, Trincomalee. He went to work on July 15, 1990 but did not return home. Kamalam appealed to various parties regarding her missing son and participated in various protests.
Batticaloa District
Thambimuthu Amarasingam (age 74) - Batticaloa Thambimuthu Amarasingam passed away on March 06, 2019. His son, Amarasingam Pushpanathan became a victim of enforced disappearance in Katpaana, Batticaloa in the year 1990. Amarasingam engaged himself in the struggle for justice for the victims of enforced disappearance until his death.
Muthusamy Ramaji (age 86) - Rajadurainagar, Batticaloa Muthusamy Ramaji passed away on January 04, 2019. Her son, Muthusamy Raveenthiran was was arrested by the army on September 23, 1990 while staying as a refugee at the Eastern University campus in Vantharumoolai and became a victim of enforced disappearance. Ramaji participated in many protests, seeking justice for her missing son.
Lavaneethan Ilavarasi (age 28) - Periya Porathivu, Batticaloa Lavaneethan Ilavarasi died of a cardiovascular disease on March 08, 2013. Her husband, Seenithamby Lavaneethan (age 29) was arrested in Vavunathivu, Batticaloa on January 06, 2009 and became a victim of enforced disappearance. Ilavarasi took part in various protests, seeking justice for her missing husband.
Paramasivam Theivaeaswari (age 58) - Chenkaladi, Batticaloa Paramasivam Theivaeaswari, who was severely depressed died of myocardial infarction on June 22, 2018. Her son, Paramasivam Prashanthan (age 16) was abducted by a paramilitary group from Chenkaladi on May 04, 2005 and became a victim of enforced disappearance. Theivaeaswari engaged herself in struggle for justice for the victims of enforced disappearance thereafter.
Mahendran Uthayarani - Thannamunai, Batticaloa Mahendran Uthayarani passed away on July 02, 2018. Her son, Mahendran Gopal was arrested by the army at Eastern University campus in Vantharumoolai on September 05, 1990 and became a victim of enforced disappearance. Uthayarani pursed justice for her missing son until her death.
Azhakippodi Chandrakesari (age 72) - Vellaveli, Batticaloa Azhakippodi Chandrakesari died of hypertension in 2019. His son, Chandrakesari Sivakumar (age 17) was made a victim of enforced disappearance in Vellaveli in the year 1999. Chandrakesari appealed to various parties about his missing son and had been a constant presence in protests seeking justice for the victims of enforced disappearance.
Chandrasekaram Gnanasoundari (age 68) - Vellaveli, Batticaloa Chandrasekaram Gnanasoundari passed away on September 10, 2018. Her son was made a victim of enforced disappearance in Vellaveli in the year 1997. Seeking justice for her missing son, Gnanasoundari engaged herself in various protests until her death. She was the last witness for her son’s disappearance.
Ampara District
Sivaguru Parvathi - Thambiluvil, Ampara Sivaguru Parvathi passed away on October 26, 2016. Her son, Sivaguru Sivakumar became a victim of enforced disappearance in Kanchikudichchaaru, Ampara on June 18, 1998. Parvathi had been fighting to get her son back.
Ilaiyathambi Poomani - Thirukkovil, Ampara Ilaiyathambi Poomani passed away suddenly on May 27, 2019. Her son, Ilaiyathambi Tharmarasa went to Sagamam, Ampara on May 10, 1995 but did not return home. In search of her missing son, Poomani participated in various protests.
Velupillai Kathirgamathamby - Ampara Velupillai Kathirgamathamby passed away on October 21, 2017. His son, Kathirgamathamby Mahendran went missing in Ampara in the year 1990. In the following year (1991), his other son, Kathirgamathamby Manoharan also went missing in Ampara. Kathirgamathamby participated in various protests in the hope of reuniting with his sons.
Kanagaraththinam Kanthamalar - Thirukkovil, Ampara Kanagaraththinam Kanthamalar passed away on June 04, 2019. Her son, Krishnapillai Gunasekaran was arrested and taken away by the army on October 10, 1990 while taking meals to their paddy field in Thirukkovil. Her another son, Krishnapillai Thineshkaran, who was employed at a private company in Colombo was arrested at his workplace and taken away by the army on July 10, 1990.
Theiventhiran Inthira - Vinayagapuram, Ampara Theiventhiran Inthira, who was searching for her missing son in various places died on November 03, 2018. Her son, Theiventhiran Prakash became a victim of enforced disappearance in 2005. He went to school but did not return home.
Vairamuthu Mayilvaganam - Thirukkovil, Ampara Vairamuthu Mayilvaganam passed away on April 29, 2016. His three children were made victims of enforced disappearance by the army in Valaichchenai, Batticaloa on April 29, 1992. Thanarajini (age 19), Jeyarajini (age 16), and Rajeshwaran (age 9) are the names of his children who went missing. He had been searching for his children in various places and continued to seek justice for them.
Thiyagarajah Gnanamma - Akkaraipattu, Ampara Thiyagarajah Gnanamma passed away on June 10, 2019. Her two sons became victims of enforced disappearance. Thiyagarajah Mahendran went missing after getting arrested by the army in 1990. Thiyagarajah Namachchivayam was arrested in a military roundup in Akkaraipattu in the year 1998. Gnanamma was engaged in continuous protests in search of her missing sons.
Sinnathamby Muthulingam (age 70) - Thambiluvil, Ampara Sinnathamby Muthulingam died of myocardial infarction on March 20, 2017. His son, Muthulingam Vasantharajan (age 17) became a victim of enforced disappearance in Ampara in the year 1990. Muthulingam participated in many protests, seeking justice for his missing son.
Gurunathapillai Thiraviyam - Thirukkovil, Ampara Gurunathapillai Thiraviyam passed away on July 05, 2019. His son. Gurunathapillai Ragunathan became a victim of enforced disappearance in Ampara on October 29, 2000. Thiraviyam appealed to various parties regarding his missing son and was engaged in continuous protests.
Ponnambalam Sivalingam (age 79) - Vinayagapuram, Ampara Ponnambalam Sivalingam passed away on December 05, 2018. His son, Sivalingam Theiventhiran became a victim of enforced disappearance in Vinayagapuram, Ampara in the year 1990. Sivalingam continued to fight for justice for his missing son until his death.
Sabaratnam Manonmani (age 74) - Ampara Sabaratnam Manonmani passed away on May 28, 2018. Her son, Sabaratnam Jeganathan (age 22) became a victim of enforced disappearance in Kanchikudichchaaru, Ampara in the year 1991. Manonmai engaged herself in continuous protests in search of her son until her death.
Kanapathipillai Sivanesarasa, Sivanesarasa Kanakamma - Thirukkovil, Ampara Sivanesarasa and Kanakamma’s children, Sivanesarasa Vasanthakumar, Sivanesarasa Leela, and Sivanesarasa Malini became victims of enforced disappearance in Ampara on different days. The couple was engaged in protests, seeking justice for their missing children. Sivanesarasa passed away on April 06, 2018 and his wife, Kanakamma passed away on March 12, 2019.
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