2nd Lead (Adds corrections)

Memorial for VVT massacre opened

[TamilNet, Monday, 02 August 2004, 19:15 GMT]
"Our leadership and our people have demonstrated that it will not be possible by any power to suppress our freedom struggle", said Mr C.Ilamparithi, Jaffna district Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) political head speaking at the Valvettithurai massacre memorial meeting held Monday evening.

Ms Mathivathany, Commander of the Sea Tigers Women wing Monday afternoon declared open the memorial erected at Theeruvil grounds in Valvettithurai in Jaffna district for 63 Tamil civilians who were massacred by the Indian Peace keeping Force (IPKF) fifteen years ago, on 2nd August 1989, sources in Jaffna said.

Ms Mathivathany was the chief guest at the event presided by Mr.M.Thangavel, President of the Valvettithurai Sports Club. Mr.Ilampairithi, Jaffna district LTTE political head hoisted the Thamileelam flag. Mr.Thaya, Vadamarachchi divisional political head lit the common flame of sacrifice. Ms. Poorani, Sea Tigers political head lit the flame of sacrifice for the dead in the VVT massacre, sources said

Our people have demonstrated to the international community that no occupied army could make them slaves, Mr.Ilamparithi added.

Mr.K.Karunantharajah, seventy year-old survivor of the VVT massacre recalled the day when 63 innocent Tamil civilians were gunned by the Indian army.

"Some of us think even today that India would help us to find a just and fair political solution as they believe that India, would not go against our aspirations. But India is currently assisting the Sri Lankan government by strengthening their security with weapons and military training," Mr.Karunanantharajah charged.

A football tournament was held to mark the fifteenth commemoration of VVT massacre in which Uthayasooriyan FB club defeated Ilankathir team by 3-0.