Sri Lankan police were seen tearing down red and yellow flags in Alampil, Mullaitivu, just hours before Maaveerar Naal commemorations are set to begin.
The police have proceeded to tear down the flags even though an order was passed by Mullaitivu Magistrate Court this morning which stated that flags could be flown, the karthigai flower could be used, the term 'Thuyilum' could be used on any displays and banners and hymns could be played.
Yesterday, the police visited and threatened Maaveerar Naal organisers across Mullaitivu, claiming that red and yellow flags could not be erected, the phrase 'Maaveerar Thuyilum Illam' could not be on any banners and the karthigai poo - the Tamil Eelam national flower- could not be used either. If any of these are used, the police have threatened the organisers with arrest.
In spite of their intimidation, preparations went ahead in the district with red and yellow flags erected at various Thuyilum Illams.
Former Northern Provincial Council member Thurairasa Ravikaran was also subject to questioning by Sri Lankan police yesterday over the use of a karthigai poo on a banner at Iraddai Vaikkal Thuyilum Illam.
The police claimed that the karthigai poo is an "LTTE symbol" but Ravikaran highlighted that these are the same flowers that are used for worship at the temple.
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