Annai Poopathy, who fasted unto death in protest against the atrocities committed by Indian Peace Keeping Forces, was remembered in Batticaloa yesterday.
Poopathy Kanapathipillai, was a member of the Navatkerny Mother's Front when she commenced a fast unto death on March 19, 1988 to protest the injustices and atrocities committed by the IPKF. She had called for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks between the IPKF and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
On 19 April, after a month of abstaining from food, Annai Poopathy's fast ended with her death.
Her 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.
A remembrance event was held at Annai Poopathy's memorial in Nawaladi, Batticaloa, to commemorate her sacrifice.
A flame was lit by Annai Poopathy's youngest daughter, Radha, whilst her eldest daughter, Shanthy, garlanded a portrait of Annai Poopathy.
Family members of Annai Poopathy, local residents, civil society activists and Tamil politicians laid flowers to remember Annai Poopathy's sacrifice.
A procession dedicated to Annai Poopathy that left from Nallur, Jaffna last week, arrived in Nawaladi to join the commemorations.
Another remembrance event took place in Munaikkadu village where a sacrificial flame was lit by the sister of fallen LTTE cadres and local residents laid flowers by a portrait of Annai Poopathy.
Local children performed dances and recited poetry to honour Annai Poopathy’s sacrifice and encourage the Tamil community to carry forward her legacy.
Local children performed dances and recited poetry to honour Annai Poopathy’s sacrifice and encourage the Tamil community to carry forward her legacy.
