Maaveerar Naal, also known as Great Heroes’ Day, is a day of remembrance observed by Sri Lankan Tamils, primarily by supporters of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This day is dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of militants who fought alongside the LTTE to pursue an independent Tamil homeland. While it is important to remember those who fought for the LTTE, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the existence of various other liberation movements representing Sri Lankan Tamils. These groups and their members have often been overshadowed, and their sacrifices have gone unnoticed due to the dominance of the LTTE in the narrative.
The Multifaceted Tamil Struggle
The Tamil struggle for independence is not a monolithic movement led solely by the LTTE. Over the years, several other militant organisations emerged, each with its objectives and methods to achieve an independent Tamil homeland. These groups were born out of a shared aspiration for Tamil self-determination, and many of their members were driven by pure intentions to liberate their people from the oppression they faced.
The LTTE’s Dominance and Consequences
Under the leadership of Velupillai Prabhakaran, the LTTE emerged as the predominant force in the Sri Lankan Tamil struggle. Gaining notoriety for its relentless tactics and steadfast dedication to its mission, the LTTE also clamped down on other Tamil militant groups. Rival factions were outlawed, and their leaders and members were often brutally executed by the LTTE, labelled as traitors.
A Day to Remember the Forgotten Heroes
While Maaveerar Naal serves as a day to commemorate the LTTE militants who fought for Tamil independence, there is a pressing need for a separate day dedicated to remembering the youths who were driven by their passion for the Tamil cause but were part of different groups. These individuals also made significant sacrifices and endured immense hardships pursuing Tamil self-determination.
Remembering Intellectuals and Politicians
Several esteemed figures in politics and intellectual circles, including A. Amirthalingam, Alfred Duraiappah, Neelan Tiruchelvam, Rajani Thiranagama, C. E. Anandarajah, and V. M. Panchalingam, tragically lost their lives to the LTTE due to differences in their vision. Some of these differences were subtle, yet they were significant enough to set them apart from the views of the LTTE’s leader, Prabhakaran. Given the profound impact of their untimely demise, there should be a dedicated day to remember and honour their sacrifices, ensuring their legacies are never forgotten.
Remembering Civilian Victims
Looking beyond the militant ranks and political ambitions, it is crucial to shed light on the distressing ordeals endured by numerous Tamil civilians who became entangled in the LTTE’s web of violence, particularly during the final phases of the Sri Lankan civil war. It became increasingly evident that the LTTE showed no hesitation in targeting its people. Individuals who attempted to escape LTTE-controlled areas were ruthlessly labelled as traitors and faced execution. Tamil individuals who dared to speak out against LTTE’s brutal recruitment strategy often became targets of the very organisation that claimed to champion their cause. These brave individuals were silenced through violent means, leaving behind a haunting legacy of suppression. The horrifying extent of the LTTE’s brutality extended even to the sacred family bonds. Some fathers found themselves in the crosshairs of the LTTE and were mercilessly targeted and killed for the simple act of protecting their sons and daughters from forced conscription by the organisation.
In light of these immense tragedies, the lack of an official day to honour those who suffered at the hands of the LTTE stands out starkly. Their tales of sacrifice, enduring pain, and lost lives warrant a distinct place in our shared history. Establishing such a commemorative day would not only immortalise their memories but also emphasise the paramount importance of preserving freedom of expression and valuing a diversity of opinions.
