Tamil groups in North stage protests highlighting longstanding demands

Tamil political groups and activists staged protests over the weekend, accusing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government of failing to fulfil commitments made to the Tamil community two years after taking office.

The protests coincided with events marking two years since the President’s 2024 election victory.

The Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA) held a one-day fast near the Chavakachcheri bus terminal on Saturday (12), highlighting demands including the release of privately owned land held by security forces, the release of political prisoners and justice for victims of enforced disappearances.

Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran, who joined the protest in solidarity, criticised delays in releasing private land and questioned why further reports from the military were required.

Separately, the Tamil National Council (TNC), led by MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, held a march in Jaffna on Sunday (13), ending with a public rally at Kittu Park.

Protesters also called for an international investigation into the mass grave discovered at Chemmani.

Ponnambalam said evidence from Chemmani should be preserved and called for a UN-led international investigation. (Newswire)

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