"Today, we cherish the memory of a great martyr and salute her supreme sacrifice.
Mother Poopathi has earned our highest esteem as one of
the noble martyrs who have become legends in the history of our liberation struggle.
As a woman, as a mother, as the maternal head of the family, Poopathi amma transcended her
ordinary life and the bonds of existential attachment in sacrificing her life for the
emancipation of her nation.
Her act of sacrifice is unprecedented, a novel feat in the history of the world. The
Gandhian nation felt humiliated when she launched a non-violent, moral war against the
violence of the Indian occupation army.
Poopathi amma did not die an ordinary death as an individual. Her death symbolised the
collective upsurgence of the women of Tamil Eelam. It is because of this reason we
celebrate the day of her death anniversary, as a day of national upsurgence, as a glorious
day marking the defeated withdrawal of the Indian army of aggression.
Our national liberation struggle is advancing forward having faced so many trials and
tribulations having faced so many critical situations, having faced so many historical
turning points. When we analyze the movement of our struggle historically, we can say that
the most critical and dangerous phase of our struggle was the period of Indian military
aggression.
The Indian intervention
was the
most serious challenge posed against our freedom struggle. It was the first time in the
history of our liberation struggle that we encountered the direct intervention of a
regional superpower. It was the first time we faced the aggressive army of a foreign
power.
When our homeland was occupied, and when our people faced an all-out war, no one came
to our help or assistance, not a single country in the world voiced for us. The
superpowers and all the countries in the Third World supported Indian military
intervention.
The former government of Jayawardene collaborated with India. Our fraternal Tamil
organisations turned traitors in supporting Indian aggression.
Alone, we faced the Indian intervention. Alone, we fought the fourth largest army in
the world. Alone, we struggled to keep the flame of national freedom burning. Finally, we
were victorious.
Our deep and firm commitment to the cause, our fearlessness in the face of death, our
heroism, our firm belief in justice, truth and righteousness are the essential factors
that led to our victory. This is a victory for the people of Tamil Eelam, a victory for
the children of Tamil Eelam who are our freedom fighters, a victory for our liberation
organisation which is the movement of the people.
Our people are our mountains. We are at a historical turning point, having successfully
encountered the challenge posed by the Indian domination. But as long as the power of the
people is behind us, we are prepared to face any new challenges. No force on earth can
subdue a people who are deeply committed and mobilised for a common goal.
On this day of national upsurgence, when we celebrate the victory over the Indian
aggression, we pay our tribute to the great martyrs and heroes who have sacrificed their
lives for the noble cause of our people."
