Tamils across the North-East commemorated Annai Poopathy on Saturday, marking 37 years since her hunger strike unto death, in protest of atrocities committed by the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF).
Poopathy Kanapathipillai, affectionately known as Annai Poopathy (Mother Poopathy), began her hunger strike on March 19, 1988 in Batticaloa, calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks between the IPKF and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). She passed away on April 19, 1988, one month into her peaceful protest. A mother, who had lost two sons to Sri Lankan state violence and another son was detained and tortured at the infamous ‘Boosa’ Sri Lankan army camp, she channelled her personal grief into a political stand that continues to resonate across generations.
Annai Poopathy was an active member of the Navatkerny Mothers’ Front, a grassroots collective of Tamil women. The group had previously attempted to negotiate a ceasefire between the IPKF and the LTTE. When one such effort collapsed, Annai Poopathy volunteered to undertake a hunger strike, in protest of the brutality inflicted on Tamil people.
During the 1980s, Tamil Mothers’ Fronts were established across the North-East as women organised in response to state repression and widespread violence. Their actions were deeply personal but also boldly political, transforming mourning into resistance.
Annai Poopathy’s sacrifice is not only remembered for its immediate political message in calling and end to the IPKF’s atrocities but also stands as testament to the suffering endured by Tamils under state violence and the central role of women in the struggle for justice and self-determination in Tamil Eelam.
Batticaloa
In Navalady, Annai Poopathy’s resting place, lamps were lit and a garland was laid in her memory on Saturday.
In Ayithiyamalai, Tamil National People’s Front paid tribute by lighting a flame and observing a two-minute silence.
In Vakarai, a sporting event was held on April 15 and April 16, where a flame was lit in tribute to Annai Poopathy. Her grandson, Y. Aravindan, was a guest at the event.
Jaffna
At the University of Jaffna, the Students’ Union led commemorations on Saturday, with students and staff lighting candles beside a photograph of Annai Poopathy. Jaffna University Students’ Union also launched poetry competition in remembrance of Annai Poopathy, with 9 contest themes, including “Annai Poopathys are everywhere on our streets” and “Annai Poopathy is a mother freedom fighter”.
Vavuniya
Tamil Families of the Disappeared gathered on Saturday at the site where they have been protesting at for over 8 years to pay tribute to Annai Poopathy. Amongst them were mothers of the forcibly disappeared who garlanded her photograph and lit lamps. Rajkumar, a member of the Families of the Disappeared said: “The issue of the forcible disappearance of Tamils can only be resolved through international mechanisms and international mediation. It is not a issue that can be solved by the perpetrators.
“We have been protesting for 3,000 days and we will continue to tell the international community that we want Tamil sovereignty”, Rajkumar added.
Thirty-seven years since her death, Annai Poopathy’s memory lives on as a symbol of resistance against military occupation, and of the strength and sacrifice of Tamil mothers who rose against state violence. As Tamil families continue to call for justice and international accountability, her legacy remains deeply etched in the collective conscience of the Tamil nation.
