RAMANATHAPURAM: The inmates in the refugee camps here observed martyrs day covertly for their near and dear ones who lost their lives in the Sri Lankan civil war.
The LTTE and Lankan Tamils have been observing November 21-27 every year as martyrs week. Mandapam is the major camp for refugees. It is said, most of the refugees lost their relatives in the civil war since 1983.
Though the government had banned the LTTE, relatives of deceased LTTE cadre living in different camps in the State want to remember them during this week. Therefore, they observe the martyrs day at least for a day.
Inmates of the camp said that the authorities have not permitted them to observe the day and the ‘Q’ branch police had strictly warned them not to observe the martyrs day.
However, women lit lamps and prayed for the souls of the martyrs. It is said, the inmates of some camps rang the bells to pay respects to the departed souls.
They feel that there was nothing wrong in observing it as the government has implemented various welfare schemes for Lankan refugees.
Intelligence sources said they could not give permission as it had been banned by the government.