Victims' Cries Haunts Refugees Even 6 Years After Lankan Tamils' Massacre

Six years after the massacre of Lankan Tamils on May 17, 2009, Express finds that refugees are still traumatised and do not want to go back to their homeland, while various outfits like May 17 movement demand justice.
Victims' Cries Haunts Refugees Even 6 Years After Lankan Tamils' Massacre

Six years after the Mullivaikal massacre, the demand for international inquiry and justice, besides a referendum, for the cause of Eelam continues to stay alive in Tamil Nadu as can be seen from the gathering of people, mostly youth, at the candlelight vigil held in remembrance of the victims, on Marina beach on Sunday.

“The tragedy occurred on the other side of the coast of Bay of Bengal. So, we selected Marina Beach, which is on this side. The cries of the victims, their last breath, blood and tears that were shed have been blended with the roaring waves, which generate a special bonding between the Tamils here and those on the other side,” said one of the participants.

Commenting on it, Thirumurugan Gandhi, the co-ordinator of the May 17 Movement, formed after the massacre, said, “It’s a huge crowd that has gathered suddenly even without being provided any special arrangement or freebie. Six years ago this day, thousands of Tamils were cornered at the Mullivaikal seashore and brutally massacred. Many were charred to death due to the indiscriminate shelling by the Sri Lankan army, bombing by its Air Force and firing by the Navy. Tamil women, captured by the army, were sexually tortured and murdered. Even senior citizens were not spared. How can anyone forget the most tragic day in the history of Tamils? Our movement derives its name from that unforgettable day.”

Justice has not been delivered for the victims even after six years and people of Tamil Nadu should keep the issue alive and put pressure on the Centre for an independent international inquiry into the genocide, he said.

The May 17 movement is not alone in the demand for justice. Members of numerous organisations gathered at the Marina. Besides, outfits, barring a few like the MDMK and VCK, arranged their own public meetings and events on the same day in many places across the State.

Speaking during a function in Thiruthuraipoondi to condole the victims, Tamil Desiya Periyakkam leader P Maniyarasan said, “Not a single culprit involved in the genocide has been punished. The United States, which was on the forefront demanding an international inquiry into the genocide, is not keen on the demand now as it has got a friendly government in the island nation. The  government of India too is not keen on the Eelam cause as it is more interested in improving ties with the Lankan government. So, the struggle for justice for Eelam Tamils is facing a setback now.”

However, he said, the people of Tamil Eelam have not lost their zeal in demanding justice as can be seen from the ban on activities remembering the Mullivaikal victims throughout the island. “The sentiments of the people have made the ban a necessity. In Tamil Nadu, people should join the protests and movements organised by parties in large numbers to force the Centre to act on the issue. The Union government should support the State’s demand, raised in the Assembly, and work for an international probe,” he said.

T Velmurugan, Tamizhar Vazhvurimai Katchi leader, said, “The Tamil race was massacred using weapons and bombs, including those banned by the international community. While no one was punished for the genocide, the international community was vying with one another to shake hands with the perpetrators of the crime against humanity. Our struggle will continue till the criminals are prosecuted. Tamils should transcend the barriers of caste, religion and party and join hands to win the right to survival for Eelam Tamils and win their freedom.”

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com