How did Tamils commemorate war victims despite anniversary event restrictions?

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Tamils Commemorated War Victims Through Solemn Ceremonies and Memorials Amidst Restrictions

Tamils marked the 15th anniversary of the end of Sri Lanka's civil war with emotional ceremonies, including the lighting of oil lamps by thousands who gathered in Mullivaikkal. Despite the illegality of public events celebrating the Tamil Tigers separatist group and past disruptions by authorities, this year's remembrance proceeded without incident. The commemorations focused on remembering all victims of the conflict, which concluded in 2009 after a military offensive that saw thousands die in the final days.
Remembrance Focused on Victims and Unanswered Questions

Thousands of Tamils travelled to Mullivaikkal, the site of the final battles, to participate in the remembrance ceremony. There, they lit oil lamps to commemorate the deceased, emphasizing that the event was intended to honour all those lost during the decades-long war. The ceremony also highlighted the ongoing lack of accountability, with Amnesty International's chief Agnes Callamard stating that after 15 years, there is still no response to demands for information regarding those listed as missing.
Legality and Past Official Interference

Public events celebrating the Tamil Tigers separatist group are illegal in Sri Lanka, and authorities have a history of blocking or disrupting similar memorials. Participants in past events have faced arrest. However, this year's ceremony in Mullivaikkal concluded without any reported incidents or interference from Sri Lankan authorities, allowing the community to gather and remember.
International Scrutiny and Security Presence

The 15th anniversary commemoration was attended by Agnes Callamard, the global chief of Amnesty International, who observed the heavy security presence in Tamil communities leading up to the anniversary. Callamard highlighted the prevailing impunity for wartime abuses and the need for justice, noting the continued lack of answers regarding missing persons. The military offensive that ended the war, culminating in the death of Tamil Tigers leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, was internationally condemned for its indiscriminate bombardment of civilians.

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How did Tamils commemorate war victims despite anniversary event restrictions?

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