Tomorrow marks the eighteenth year of Annai Poopathy’s self-sacrifice of her life for the rights of the Tamils. It was Annai Poopathy who demonstrated the determination of the Tamils longing for freedom through non-violence to the mighty India that committed aggression with its forces.

She was not a freedom fighter who associated herself with any freedom struggle. She was not a politician who actively involved herself in politics as a member of a political party. She was not one who craved for power and positions. Nor was she a popular civil activist.She was great lady of our community in her old age. That was all.

Such an ordinary mother performed fast unto death for one month amidst the atrocities of Indian forces, armed groups and Sri Lankan forces. A frail old lady displayed indomitable will to agitate against injustice, and to struggle for the rights of the Tamils.

It was injustice and atrocities committed on the Tamils that made this passive lady to rise for freedom with a strong will along the path of non-violence, while the youth were actively involved in a violent struggle for emancipation.

The fast unto death by Thileepan opposite the Nallur Murugan temple in Jaffna and Amnnai Poopathy opposite the Maamaangeswarar temple in Batticaloa bear testimony to the resolute of the Tamils for freedom and demonstrate this in unmistakable terms to the world. At this is time of a dilemma of war or peace, everyone has to express such strong will of Annai Poopathy.

this is the translation of the Sudaroli editorial, Colombo based tamil news daily

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