Tamils gathered in many cities across Europe last weekend to mark Tamil Eelam Women's Uprising Day, which falls on the anniversary of the death of the first female Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fighter 2nd Lieutenant Maalathy.
2nd Lieutenant Maalathy was killed at the age of 20, on the 10th of October 1987, during a confrontation with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Jaffna. It marked a pivotal moment in the Tamils' armed struggle, not only for the liberation of Tamil homeland but also for the pursuit of equal rights.
One of the two female only brigades of the LTTE was named in honour of 2nd Lt Maalathy.
Memorial events took place in many European cities that are home to Eelam Tamils, including London, Paris, Geneva, Brussels, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Oslo.
Belgium
Italy
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Denmark
Switzerland