Tamils in Kanagapuram, Kilinochchi, began clearing Maaveerar thuyilum illams (LTTE martyr resting places) earlier today ahead of the Maaveerar Naal.
Maaveerar Naal, or Great Heroes Day which falls on November 27, is a day observed in remembrance of the war heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Tamil struggle for freedom.
TNA MP Sivagnanam Sritharan and other provincial members from Karaichi undertook these activities in Kanagappuram starting from 9.00 AM.
Kilinochchi police visited the area and made certain interrogations regarding the event. They further registered testimonies from MP Sritharan and others who were heading the preparations.
Earlier this month, Sri Lankan police warned Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) members and activists that they would be "taken away" if they were to commemorate Brigadier S P Thamilselvan who was assassinated by the Sri Lankan Air Force.
In September, the Sri Lankan authorities began intensifying their crackdown by banning several events planned across the North and East to commemorate the anniversary of Lt Col Thileepan's fast unto death. Tamil political parties and civil society actors carried out a hartal and a series of protests across the North-East in defiance of a Sri Lankan court ban and intimidation from the security forces, preventing them from commemorating those who gave their lives for Tamil rights.
