The Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) is commemoratied the 35th anniversary of Annai Poopathy's hungerstrike with a procession that began on 16th April from the monument dedicated to Thileepan, in Nallur. The procession, which carried an image of Annai Poopathy, was planned to reach Batticaloa on 19th April, stopping at key locations to commemorate her struggle and sacrifice with the locals of each place.
Annai Poopathy was an active member of the Batticaloa-Amparai Mother’s Front who began a hunger strike demanding an immediate ceasefire to the violence by the Indian Peace Keeping Force and negotiations with the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam.
On the first day of the procession, it reached Mullaitivu, where it stopped at a number of locations including the monument to Maaveerar Maj. Lt. Maaveera Major Bork and Aalankulam Thuyilum Illam, which is currently occupied by the 65th regiment of the Armed Forces.
On 17th April, the procession reached Mankulam, where it stopped at Maaveerar Thuyilum Illam in Vannivilankulam and Anichiyakulam, at the monument for Maamanithar Sivanesan, where locals paid their respect despite the heavy rains.
This procession is a solemn tribute to Annai Poopathy's courageous struggle and sacrifice, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles of the Tamil people.