Private commemorations to mark Maaveerar Naal were held across the North-East on November 27th, amidst a Sri Lankan military crackdown and fears of intimidation, harassment and arrest.
In Kilinochchi, there were reports that the Sri Lankan military had blocked access to destroyed LTTE cemeteries, where locals had gathered in previous years to pay tribute to those that gave their lives in the Tamil liberation struggle.
Instead, private commemorations were held in temples and homes.
In Mannar, Tamil National Alliance MP Charles Nirmalanathan lit a flame and candles before a banner to commemorate Maaveerar Naal.
In Vavuniya, former political prisoner Yumana S. Aravindan paid homage to fallen fighters.
Families of the disappeared in Vavuniya also held a small commemoration ceremony.
The events across the North-East took place amidst a crackdown by the army that saw a heavy military presence and at least one arrest.
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