TNA opposes Army construction on LTTE cemetery

This should be stopped forthwith as we commemorate the war heroes annually in a peaceful manner

TNA politicians in Kilinochchi are up in arms against the purported construction of a building by the Army on a land which they said is a cemetery where the LTTE cadres killed in the war had been buried.

TNA Kilinochchi- Karachchi Pradeshiya Sabha member and social enthusiast Jeevarasa insisted in a media release yesterday the construction in the ‘Thuyilum Illam” (abode of rest) be stopped immediately. He said that the Army was engaged in constructing a permanent building in the Visvamadu Theravil “Thuyilum Illam” premises which was detrimental to the prevailing calm atmosphere in the region.

“This should be stopped forthwith as we commemorate the war heroes annually in a peaceful manner. Our kith and kin are laid to rest in this sacred land and the army erecting a building there only creates heartache to the people. The Army instead of imposing its presence, should attempt to win over the minds of the Tamil people. However, they are, on the contrary widening the gap between the public and the security forces,” he said in his press release. “Further, we consider this burial grounds similar to a temple and in the past we witnessed as how the tombs were bulldozed. Although, we had to bear such atrocity and are maintaining this place, the Army erecting a permanent building should be stopped. Failing which the people would be compelled to stage demonstrations to deter such activities,” he said.