The following report was written by Arun Kaliraja of the May 17 Movement & a close supporter of New Socialist Alternative (CWI-India) on the Candle Light Vigil that was organized for the victims of the war against Tamils in Sri Lanka, which included the participation of New Socialist Alternative (CWI-India) and Tamil Solidarity.
Editors
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They thought we would forget!!
They thought our will slogans will slump into silence!!
They thought our fight will fade away!!
They thought our solidarity will shatter with time!!
But it was time to say NO
It was time to show the Indian ruling class that we are here to fight for the rights of the Tamil brethren who are still undergoing immeasurable suffering in Sri Lanka.
It was time to show that we are not fooled by the pompous visits of the Indian MPs to Sri Lanka who return with their pockets filled with gifts and say “Tamils of Sri Lanka no longer wish for a separate home land”.
It was time to show that we will not believe once again in those who failed us during the days of war when innocent people were killed and who now revive defunct organizations like Tamil Eelam Supporters Organization (TESO) for their narrow political gains.
May 17th, 2012 marks the 3rd anniversary of the genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka who have fought for their independent home land. The six decade long struggle for self determination was crushed by the Sinhala chauvinist regime backed by the imperialist forces of the world, which culminated in the massacre of Mullivaikaal. A total of 1,46,769 Tamils were killed by the Sri Lankan Army(SLA) In the course of the war.
May 17 Movement and Periyar Dravidar kazhagam (PDK) organized a candlelight vigil on 20th of May, 2012 in the shores of Merina to remember the genocide. Two important demands that were tabled on the occasion included:
1. The mass killing of the Tamils in the war as an act of Genocide (which the world is hitherto reluctant to agree) and to try those responsible in the international court for the crime.
2. To conduct an UN monitored referendum.
The remembrance event saw a mass participation of about 10,000 working class Tamils, who helplessly witnessed the massacre three years ago and even occasionally were denied genuine information about the war by the main stream media. As the sun set, men, women and children who participated in the event lighted candles to pay homage to martyrs. Tears of fire filled the arena. Families who came to spend their evening in the beach joined the crowd and paid respect to the victims of war.
The event saw participation of Leaders from various Tamil political and social organizations like Vaiko, Kolathur Mani, P.Maniyarasan, P.Nedumaran, Kasi Anandhan and Viduthalai Rajendran. Ram Vilas Paswan, president of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) also participated in the event and reiterated the demands that were put forward. He also insisted on the immediate withdrawal of the military from the Tamil areas and allowing international organizations like Red Cross to operate in the war torn area.
The struggle to bring those who orchestrated the war that was planned to have no witness, the struggle can never be silenced…
Marakka maattom !! Marakka maattom!! (We will not forget! We will not forget!)
Inap padukolaiyai marakka maattom!! (Never will we forget the Genocide!!)
This slogan that filled the air will not fade away from our hearts!
Arun Kaliraja
Bangalore
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