Today marks 37 years since the death of Annai Poopathy, a Tamil woman who fasted unto death in protest against the atrocities committed by Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF).
As a member of the Navatkerny Mother’s Front, Poopathy Kanapathipillai from Batticaloa, commenced a fast unto death on March 19, 1988 to protest the injustices and atrocities committed by the IPKF. Her fast ended on April 19 with her death.
“Annai Poopathy has made an indelible mark in the golden history of our struggle,” the National leader said. “She sacrificed her life for the freedom struggle of her people renouncing her life as a mother, as head of a household and as a woman. Her moral war against the Indian army was an embarrassment to India. She did not die as a human being. Her sacrifice symbolized the uprising of Tamils motherhood.”
Annai Poopathi’s 28 year old son was shot dead by the Sri Lankan army and another son randomly shot dead by the Special Task Force. Another son, arrested during round up operations, was held in Boosa army camp and subjected to severe torture.
Her sacrifice continues to be commemorated by Tamils across the globe.
Annai Poopathy was not an armed militant, however, she has the significance of being the first Tamil woman to fast until her death, ready to sacrifice her life.
In the modern politics of the Tamil people it is still not possible to show a woman who was as self-sacrificing as she was before and until his death.
After Poopathy, for the last 16 years, mothers have been the main activists in Tamil politics. Almost all the struggles that have been going on for the last 16 years have been drenched in the tears of Tamil mothers who are searching for their missing relatives.
