Thousands of Tamils are making their way to Mullivaikal, a small village on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. This is a journey that many of them have taken before, 15 years ago, and they still call this region their home. However, this time, they are not here to celebrate or to visit their loved ones. They are here to commemorate a tragic event that took place on May 18, the final day of the civil war.
On this day, thousands of innocent civilians were killed in a ‘no fire zone’ during the last stages of the civil war. It was a day that shook the entire nation and left a scar on the hearts of the Tamil community. The memories of that day are still fresh in the minds of those who survived, and they gather here every year to pay their respects to the victims and to demand justice for their loved ones.
The civil war in Sri Lanka lasted for 26 long years, and it was a period of great turmoil and suffering for the Tamil community. The war was fought between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization that fought for an independent Tamil state. The war took a heavy toll on both sides, but it was the innocent civilians who suffered the most.
During the final stages of the war, the Sri Lankan government declared a ‘no fire zone’ in Mullivaikal, where thousands of civilians sought refuge. However, this zone was not safe as promised, and on May 18, 2009, the Sri Lankan army launched a brutal attack on the civilians, resulting in the death of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. This massacre is considered one of the worst atrocities committed during the civil war.
The Tamil community has been demanding justice for the victims of Mullivaikal for the past 15 years. They want the world to know the truth about what happened on that fateful day and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Every year, on May 18, they gather in Mullivaikal to remember the victims and to demand justice. This year is no different, and despite the ongoing pandemic, thousands of Tamils have made their way to Mullivaikal to pay their respects.
The commemoration event in Mullivaikal is not just a remembrance of the victims, but it is also a symbol of unity and resilience for the Tamil community. It is a reminder that despite the hardships they have faced, they have not lost hope and continue to fight for justice and their rights.
The Tamil community has faced discrimination and marginalization in Sri Lanka for decades, and the civil war only added to their struggles. However, they have never given up their fight for equality and justice. The commemoration event in Mullivaikal is a testament to their determination and courage.
The Tamil community is not alone in their fight for justice. The international community has also shown their support for the victims of Mullivaikal. Several human rights organizations and world leaders have condemned the massacre and called for an independent investigation into the events of that day. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has also passed resolutions calling for accountability and justice for the victims.
The Tamil community hopes that with the support of the international community, they will finally get the justice they have been seeking for the past 15 years. They want the Sri Lankan government to acknowledge and take responsibility for the atrocities committed during the civil war. They also demand that the victims and their families be compensated for their losses.
The commemoration event in Mullivaikal is not just a somber occasion, but it is also a celebration of the Tamil culture and heritage. The Tamil community showcases their rich traditions through cultural performances, traditional food, and other activities. It is a way for them to keep their culture alive and pass it on to the younger generation.
As the Tamil community gathers in Mullivaikal on May 18, they are filled with hope and determination. They believe that one day, justice will prevail, and the victims of Mullivaikal will finally get the justice they deserve. The commemoration event is a reminder that the Tamil community will never forget the victims of Mullivaikal and will continue to fight for their rights and justice.
In conclusion, the annual commemoration event in Mullivaikal is not just a remembrance of the victims of the civil war, but it is also a symbol of the Tamil community’s resilience and determination. It
