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A petition demanding the release of Tamil political prisoners has drawn widespread reach across the North-East in recent days, with participation from students, civil society organisations and politicians in the Tamil homeland.
In Chunakam this week, market traders and members of the public gathered to show their support and pledge their signatures to demand the release of those Tamils detained by the Sri Lankan state. Among the notable participants was Mavai Senathirajah, senior member of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK).
Similar drives took place in Kodikamam, the University of Jaffna and Puthukkudiyiruppu
The signature drive comes at a time when, despite the armed conflict ended more than 15 years ago, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is still being deployed to this day. Human rights organisations and Tamil advocacy groups have repeatedly called for the repeal of the PTA and the release of individuals detained under its provisions.
The campaign organisers aim to collect tens of thousands of signatures before submitting the petition to the central government in Colombo.
Earlier last week however, Sri Lanka police obstructed the same campaign which took place in Kilinochchi. As organisers from the Association prepared to launch the protest, the Kilinochchi Traffic Police arrived on the scene and used loudspeakers to order the event to stop, claiming prior permission was required. This intervention disrupted the peaceful protest, sparking dissatisfaction among participants.
See more photographs from across the campaign below.
Chunnakam
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Puthukkudiyiruppu
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University of Jaffna
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