Remembering Annai Poopathy

As we see our struggle for self-determination, we see extraordinary sacrifices from our people and Annai Poopathy is a household name to remember.

Poopathy Kanapathipillai, now known as Annai Poopathy, from Batticaloa, Eastern Tamil Eelam, started her fasting on March 19, 1988, to protest against the war crimes that were being committed by the Indian Peace Keeping Force [IPKF].

She led a normal life and was raising her children in the era when young Tamil men were targeted by the Sri Lankan state which led to indiscriminate killings, disappearances, and torture. She was fearing for the safety of her children, her 28 YO son was shot dead by Sri Lankan army. To protect her other children, she moved to different areas where there was less oppression. Unfortunately, in this new area, her other son was shot dead by the Special Task Force. Her 3rd son was also arrested in a random army round up and he was held Boosa army camp where he was severely tortured. All the pain and grief did not cripple her and she channeled them into the selfless act she has done for the Tamil nation.

Before her fast, she was an active member of the Mother's Front and fought the LK state against gross human rights violations. When the Indian army came as a 'Peace Keeping Force', she first hand witnessed the atrocities done by IPKF and wanted to do something about it. Women's Front decided to use India's non-violence as a weapon to ask for justice: 2 mothers, Mrs. Annammah David & Mrs. Nesammah Vadivel, commenced fast unto death. IPKF embarrassed by 2 women fighting against them, used their military power to break up the fast. Annai Poopathy not accepting this improvement in their political freedom, started her hunger strike on 19th March 1988 at Mahmangam Pillayar temple.

Her demands were: (1)An immediate unconditional ceasefire between the LTTE and the IPKF (2)Unconditional talks between the LTTE and the Indian government

As India allowed Thileepan Anna to die the year before, her demands were also not met and she died on April 19, 1988. The death of this mother is also a blood stain on the Indian government's hands.

Tamils across the globe remember Poopathu Amma and the Tamil diaspora in Norway has named their Culture Centre "Annai Poopathy Tamil Cultural Centre".

The non-violent form is taken by a mother to fight for her people, for her nation, and in return, her life was lost. Her death was a disgrace to India's identity as the 'land of Mahtma'.