Tamils across the North-East held black flags today in protesting at the celebrations by the Sri Lankan state for independence day, arguing that the Tamil nation was not free and lacked even basic rights such as land rights.Batticaloa
In Batticaloa, families of the disappeared protested by the Eastern University campus, rejecting the celebrations of independence, and calling for the government to provide answers for their disappeared loved ones.
Mullaitivu
In Keppapulavu, families held black flags in protest, also marking the 706th day of protesting against the military ongoing occupation of their lands. Last month after the president failed to deliver on his pledges, families moved their protest to dirctly in front of the military camp built on their lands.
Families of the disappeared in Mullaitivu held a protest and awareness campaign at their local office, demanding answers from the government about their disappeared loved ones.
Kilinochchi
In Kilinochchi, families of the disappeared were joined by politicians and activists in their black flag protest, condemning the military occupation continuing within the North-East, the ongoing detention of political prisoners and the failure to deliver justice and answers for the disappearances and genocide of Tamils in 2009.
Jaffna
families of the disappeared and 'equal rights' activists held a protest by the main bus station, condemning independence day celebrations. Protesters also called for the release of all Tamil political prisoners.
