35th anniversary of Annai Poopathy's sacrifice commemorated in the North-East

The 35th anniversary of Annai Poopathy's hunger strike and death continues to be commemorated throughout the North-East. As a symbol to highlight the ongoing political struggles of the Tamil people.

Annai Poopathy was an active member of the Navatkerny Mother’s Front who began a hunger strike demanding an immediate ceasefire to the atrocities committed by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) and peace talks between them and the the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE).

The Navatkerny Mother’s Front under many occasions attempted to negotiate a ceasefire between the IPKF and the LTTE. After the collapse of one such negotiations, Annai Poopathy volunteered to go on a hunger strike on 19th March 1988. 

While on strike, those who assisted on her strike, and a few of her children were arrested, and others were continuously harassed by the IPKF.

Annai Poopathy held onto her strike for 31 days and passed away on 19 April 1988. 

Annai Poopathi's 28 year old son was shot dead by the Sri Lankan army and another son randomly shot dead by the Special Task Force. Another son, arrested during round up operations, was held in Boosa army camp and subjected to severe torture.

Her sacrifice continues to be commemorated by Eelam Tamils across the globe.

In Vavuniya, the families of the disappeared, who have been protesting for 2250 days to know the fate of their loved ones, organised an event to commemorate her sacrifice. 

In Mannar, the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) organised an event where party officials and the general public participated in the commemoration.

Another was held in front of the Mannar Municipal Council where the former mayor, assistant mayor, religious leaders, and the families of the disappeared took part in the commemoration. 

When speaking at the commemoration organised by the Tamil National Youth Federation the former head of the Divisional Secretariat Vadivel Nagulesvaran said:

“The Anti-terrorism Act that is to be tabled in parliament on 25th April is extremely dangerous. Events like this won’t even be allowed to be held anymore under the new law.” 

Another commemoration was organised in Udayarkattu, Mullaitivu headed by Puthukkudiyiruppu Divisional Secretariat Arumugam Johnson.

At the University of Jaffna, lecturers, students, and the public commemorated the anniversary of Annai Poopathy’s sacrifice. 

In Nallur, the Tamil People’s Alliance laid flowers and lit a flame to remember Annai Poopathy's sacrifice.