Facebook icon
Twitter icon
e-mail icon

Remains of Easter Sunday bomber moved after protests in Batticaloa

The remains of one of the Easter Sunday bombers has been moved following a protest campaign by locals, including a demonstration last month that saw Sri Lankan riot police deploying batons and teargas against protestors.

Following pressure from locals, a court order was issued to move the remains of Mohamed Nazar Mohamed Azath from a Hindu cemetery at Kalliyankadu, where residents allege Sri Lankan officials had secretly buried him.

Azath was the suicide bomber who attacked the Zion Church in Batticaloa, killing dozens of worshippers on Easter Sunday, many of whom were children. 

News of his burial at the cemetery had sparked anger throughout the town, culminating in a protest at the Kalladi Bridge last month. Sri Lankan riot police broke up the protest using batons and teargas, resulting in at least six people being hospitalised. 

Azath's remains are currently reported to be held at a Batticaloa hospital mortuary.

We need your support

Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.

Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view

We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.

For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.