Tamils in Mullaitivu protest Sinhala mob attack on Thileepan memorial

by Sharmini
Sep 18, 2023

Tamils held a protest in Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu, today to condemn the attack by a Sinhala mob on a memorial float dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan. 

Tamils from Thevipuram and Vallipunam chanted "do we not have the right to remember our loved ones?" during their demonstration. 

Yesterday, a Sinhala mob threw stones and used batons to destory a memorial float dedicated to Lt Col Thileepan who fasted unto death in September 1987. To mark the anniversary, the Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) organised a memorial float to travel from Pottuvil to Nallur, where Thileepan began his fast. 

TNPF MP Selvarajah Kajendren was also injured in the attack despite the presence of Sri Lankan police officers. 

Tamils in the North-East have been subject to routine harassment, surveillance and violence when trying to remember those who gave their lives in the liberation struggle. 

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