Red and yellow flags have been defiantly set up across Mullaitivu as the district prepares for Maaveerar Naal commemorations in spite of intimidation by Sri Lankan police.
Over 30 people have been issued court orders by the police in Mullaitivu, Puthukkudiyirippu Mulliyawalai, Oddusuddan, Mankulam, Mallavi and Iyankankulam, banning them from commemorating the LTTE.
While the court order has stated that the commemorations can taken place without displaying LTTE insignia, the police have threatened Maaveerar Naal organisers stating that red and yellow flags could not be erected, the phrase 'Maaveerar Thuyilum Illam' could not be on any banners and the karthigai poo - the Tamil Eelam national flower- could not be used either. If any of these are used, the police have threatened the organisers with arrest.
Depsite the threats, Tamils have hoisted red and yellow flags at Alankulam Thuyilum Illam, Vannivilankulam Thuyilum Illam, Mulliyawalai Thuyilum Illam, Alampil Thuyilum Illam, Kodalikallu Thuyilum Illam, Mullivaikkal Thuyilum Illam, and Iraddai Vaikkal Thuyilum Illam. Preparations have also been made at Mullaitivu city beach for a commemoration event.
