I often wonder what must have gone through the minds of people at Mullivaikal in May of 2009. what were the parents telling their children? What did the loved ones tell each other on the last days?
Events of 2009 had a profound impact on me. That will last my lifetime. As the killings of the Tamils escalated, many tried to do whatever they could: Call on politicians, Call on press, and protest on the streets. But to no avail. Many did nothing. I was upset over the killings, but I was angry at the people who did nothing. Especially at the diaspora Eelam Tamils who went about their merry life with no concern. I could not get over that. How could someone choose to ignore a Genocide? Choose not to do anything about it? Coincidental decisions in their past put them out of the Genocidal reach of the Sri Lankan state. That was the case with me. I could have been in Mullivaikal. My parents could have been there. If it was not for a few decisions my family made in the 90’s or in the 2000’s. This is not just survivors guilt.
People of Vanni, 4 years ago, facing death, could not make conscious decisions on their own. They were left to the mercy of the deliberate decisions of the powers. Diaspora Tamils had, have, and will have the choice to make conscious decisions. How many among us will take that path? Apathy can not be a conscious decision. It is a choice.
Mark Twain said
It was in May 2009, I found my answer to the why. As we mourn the victims of Genocide on this day, I take courage from the survivors. They make me proud.
P.S. May be a brown comedian can get to those apathetic Tamils:
there is a connection my previous random connections postings. Hari’s sketch was also on May 18th, 2009.
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