A demand has been made that the government and the police should provide a clear legal explanation regarding the incident of the removal of the statue of Thyaga Deepam Thileepan erected in Nallur area of Jaffna by the police.
While the 39th anniversary commemoration events of Thileepan were going on in Nallur area, the bronze statue placed there was removed by the police on September 27. The video and photos of the removal of the statue were later released on social media.
In this case, the government and the police should explain to the people what is the legal basis for this action, said Kumar Jayakumaran, a life member of the Sri Lankan Tamil Republic Party.
In his statement, he has asked for clarification regarding the law under which the statue was removed, on whose orders this action was taken and the reason for it.
Questions raised after the removal of the statue
Thileepan’s commemorative events were started on September 15 in Nallur area. On the first day of those events, it was reported that a bronze statue was placed near the memorial. It is also reported that there were commemorative events for about 12 consecutive days. After the final day of commemoration on September 26, the statue was removed the next morning.
According to several reports, when the statue was removed, the police went there under the leadership of the Jaffna Chief Police Officer, and the officers who arrived in two police vehicles took the statue away from there.
After the incident, people paid their respects by placing flower garlands at the place where the idol was kept. As a result, the statue was removed, but memorial activities continued at the site, according to reports.
Various questions have been raised regarding the legal reason for the removal of the statue. In particular, a request has been made that official information should be released on whether a permit is required for erecting a monument in an area used by the public, whether that permit was obtained, or whether there was any other legal reason for its removal.
In his statement, Kumar Jayakumaran said that this issue cannot be seen simply as an incident of removal of a statue, but has to do with issues such as the right to remember the dead, the preservation of a community’s memories and the passing of history to future generations.
At the same time, he pointed out that under the Constitution of Sri Lanka, freedom of opinion and expression, right to peaceful assembly and right to enjoy and develop culture are recognized. At the same time, there are situations where these rights may be restricted by law. So his demand is to state clearly the basis on which the law was applied.
Protests and ongoing tribute events
Protests also took place in Nallur area following the removal of the statue. According to reports, a protest was also held demanding that the statue be installed again at the same place.
Likewise, it has been reported that vigilance protests have been called for in eight districts in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Tamil News has mentioned that the North-East Disappeared People’s Association has made this call.
This issue has now attracted attention at the political and social levels. In particular, questions have been raised about how the law is being implemented in relation to commemorations and memorials.
On the other hand, a demand has also been made for a full explanation of the police action, if any, to the public.
Thilipan’s memory has remained an emotional issue in post-war Sri Lanka. Following the death of Thileepan on hunger strike in September 1987, commemorations have been held every year.
Since the statue was removed only after the 39th anniversary commemorations this year, the debate over the incident has intensified.
What is now mainly awaited is the official explanation regarding the legal reason for removing the statue and the order. Questions such as who ordered the operation, under which law it was carried out and where the statue has been kept after its removal also need to be answered.
If the government or the police provide further clarifications on the matter, the background of the incident may become clearer. The matter remains to be seen only on the basis of the information released till then.