Slogans against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa filled the air as L Mani, an activist of the Naam Tamizhar Iyakkam, was cremated on Tuesday a day after he committed self-immolation at the Collectorate here. Mani’s body was draped in the national flag.
Thousands of people from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, most of them Eelam activists, joined Mani’s funeral procession from his native Nallavadu village.
Although it is located in Cuddalore, Nallavadu is bounded by Puducherry on three sides and the sea on the fourth side. Therefore, police personnel from both States enforced security.
As his funeral cortege was being taken to Nallavadu, tearful residents from nearby villages paid homage, while posters lined the route. A perceptible pall of gloom descended upon the area as his body neared his native village. Cadre of NTK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, MDMK and other groups shouted slogans against the Lankan government for killing lakhs of ethnic Tamils. “He was a supporter of Tamil Eelam and he loved India. He dreamt of a corruption-free India, for which he sacrificed his life. He struggled throughout his life to expose the scams related to tsunami rehabilitation schemes to light. But he could not succeed. He has fought for the cause of this village,” said Sudharamurthy, a resident of Nallavadu.
“Mani did everything for the village but very little for his family. Though all others, who accompanied him in the protest against tsunami scams, pulled out, Mani continued to fight against the corrupt officers. As no one listened to his complaints, finally he got vexed and ended his life,” said Valli, another villager. After paying homage, NTK leader Seeman said, “Mani decided to end his life wanting a better future for Lankan Tamils. We will continue to struggle to fulfil his dream.”
On the alleged tsunami scams, Seeman said, “there were many irregularities in the construction of tsunami houses. All these allegations should be probed and actions taken against those who are guilty. Better-quality houses should be built for the affected people. Since Nallavadu village is caught between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, both governments have failed to take care of it. This village has become orphaned.”