"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."
