Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa Photo: Times of India
Jayalalitha, the voice of the voiceless Eelam Tamils, have been prematurely muted. We feel politically orphaned, but her name is etched deeply in the hearts of Eelam Tamils.
The untimely demise of Jayalalitha, the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu at age 68 is an irrepairable loss not only to Eelam Tamils but also to the Tamils of Tamilnadu and the Tamils in the Worldwide Diaspora. In this hour of crisis it is indeed difficult to comprehend the why and the wherefore of this cruel fate which can only be redeemed by the merciful God. Three to four Generations of Sri Lankan Tamils have endured unbearable suffering and we are on the brink of frustration not knowing where to turn.
Jayalalitha’s Voice was the voice of Tamilnadu which resonated throughout the world where Sri Lankan Tamils sought refuge. Her proclamation pertaining to the plight of Eelam Tamils was the silver lining in the dark clouds. In the dire hour of our need she came forth to our rescue, undauntedly fighting our battle. She was our pillar of strength giving us hope.
As far as Tamilnadu was concerned she put through several Bills focusing on relief to the poor and low income groups in the population. She appeared to have matured learning the pitfalls endemic to the abuse of power. She was a bold Leader who neither feared the Centre nor anybody else in taking appropriate steps as per need. For instance, she boycotted Modi’s swearing in ceremony as a protest to the expected attendance of the Genocidal Mahinda at the ceremony. This, the only statement she could have made as the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. Jayalalitha was courageous to take on the case of the seven accused in connection with Rajiv Gandhi’s murder. Unfortunately, Delhi did not heed her robust plea for release of the seven who have already served over 25 years behind bars.
On the Eelam Tamils’ issue she did proclaim that Eelam was the only solution and also unyieldingly advocated referenda for self-determination throughout the world where Tamils lived, in addition to calling for international investigations for the war crimes in connection with the genocidal war in Sri Lanka.
It is indeed in this context that we pay our humble tribute to a Leader who stood steadfastly for us, Sri Lankan Tamils in the dire hour of our need. The TGTE shall be eternally grateful to her and she would undoubtedly be part of our history for eternity.
Former Member of Parliament – Sri Lanka &
Member of Parliament, Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam – representing Canada