Northern Provincial Council member Ananthi Sasitharan said that despite intimidation from the Sri Lankan military, the search for justice for the disappeared will continue.

Speaking at a protest held in Vavuniya last month to mark the International Day of the Disappeared, Sasitharan said,

“Though it has been 5 years since the war ended, we continue to search for our relatives. I am speaking on behalf of everyone here as I experience the pain of this too.”

“We are intimidated for speaking like this. However, we cannot remain afraid and stay in our houses paralysed with fear.”

Hundreds of Tamil protestors were blocked by Sri Lankan police form marching to Government Agency offices last month, where they were to deliver a petition.

“We are protesting as we did not find justice after searching for it everywhere. It is our responsibility to look for our dear loved ones and no one can stop us from doing so,” said Sasitharan.

Sri Lanka has the 2nd highest number of outstanding disappearances in the world, according to the United Nations.

“Behind the word disappeared, there are many problems, many affected livelihoods and lack of security,” continued Sasitharan. “Today, the army is intruding into houses even when one’s husband is there. How then, can we stay safe in houses without husbands?”

The Tamil National Alliance member went on to state that despite the Sri Lankan government’s portrayal, the North-East of the island remains oppressed.

“The disappeared are not lost things. Everyone here knows how they disappeared and by whom they were made disappear.”

“The government is saying to the international community that people are living freely, when in fact they are making us live with tears. We, those who have been served injustice, should fight until there is justice - we will continue protesting.”

See more from the Uthayan here.