Tamil families of the disappeared appeal to incoming US administration

Whilst Tamils around the world marked Thai Pongal on Monday, relatives of the disappeared in Vavuniya held a protest demanding justice for their abducted loved ones. 

The protesters, demanding the release of Tamil political prisoners and justice for their disappeared loved ones, appealed in particular to the incoming US administration. Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as US president later this year.

The families stated that they are ready to go to Washington, if invited, to discuss issues concerning their “disappeared children, political prisoners, and the need for a secure, protected, independent, and sovereign Tamil homeland”.

Following the protest, the association's secretary, G. Rajkumar, continued to speak about the ongoing struggle in their lives.

Rajkumar said Monday marked a sombre milestone—the 2886th day of the relentless struggle by Tamil mothers who continue to demand the return of their disappeared children. Their goal is to bring the plight of their loved ones to light, prevent future genocides, and gain international support from the US and the European Union for Tamil sovereignty, he said.