The Chairman of the Valikamam East Pradeshiya Sabha, Thiyagarajah Nirosh, was questioned by occupying Sri Lankan police on Thursday and had a statement recorded regarding preparations for a memorial event marking the 52nd anniversary of the death of Tamil martyr Pon Sivakumaran.
According to reports, Nirosh was summoned to the occupying Kopay Police Station in connection with arrangements for the remembrance event, which took place on Friday morning at Sivakumaran's memorial site in Urumpirai.
The commemoration is being organised by the Valikamam East Pradeshiya Sabha following the passage of an official resolution authorising the event.
Reports indicate that the police summons followed a complaint lodged by individuals affiliated with the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP).
During questioning, Nirosh informed police that all preparations for the event were being carried out in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Pradeshiya Sabha.
After recording his statement, the Sri Lankanpolice released him without further action.
Speaking afterwards, Nirosh confirmed that the commemoration would proceed as planned.
Pon Sivakumaran occupies a significant place in the history of the Tamil liberation struggle. He died on 5 June 1974 after consuming cyanide to avoid capture by Sri Lankan security forces, becoming the first Tamil militant to do so. His death has since been commemorated annually by Tamils across the homeland and diaspora, and he is widely remembered as the first martyr of the modern Tamil liberation struggle.
The police inquiry comes at a time when Tamil commemorative activities have come under increasing scrutiny from the Sri Lankan state.
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