Shops closed in Puthukkudiyiruppu for Thileepan commemoration

Stores in Puthukkudiyiruppu are closed today to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Lt. Col. Thileepan's hunger strike.

Today marks the last day of his fast and of commemoration events, marking his 11 day hunger strike until death, 35 years ago.

A vehicle convoy commenced this morning from Jaffna University, whilst in Mullaitivu under the arrangement of Puthukkudiyiruppu Trade Association, all the shops are closed.

Thileepan began his hunger strike at Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in protest against the failure of the Indian government to honour the pledges made to the Tamil people. He began his fast on 15th September 1987, surrounded by over 100,000 supporters, and died 11 days later, on the 26th September 1987.