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Writing in the ‘Eater’, Pallavi Pundir explores how Kanji, or rice gruel, became a symbol for Eelam Tamils of political resistance.
Examining the roots of this meal, Pundir notes how Tamils turned to it during the armed conflict as the Sri Lankan military cut off access to food and basic essentials. He further notes that during the final stages of the armed conflict, food distribution centres in “no-fire zones”, that were distributing kanji, were targeted by the Sri Lankan military and resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians.
Despite the end of the armed conflict, the island has seen increasing militarisation as well as crackdown on Tamil memorials. Pundir details how “simple acts of remembrance like cooking and serving kanji have become a dangerous form of resistance, often inviting police surveillance and action”.
The piece details how “Tamils are monitored, surveilled, detained, and interrogated for activities the government considers treasonous or, in other words, showing support for Tamil separatism. Often, that includes something as simple as cooking kanji”.
Interviewing local Tamils, Pundir speaks with Mariyasuresh Eswari notes:
“[The kanji] symbolises the genocide of our people […] The rice, salt and water used in this kanji represents our bravery. It has now become a symbol of the Tamils.”
Read more here.
