by N. Ethirveerasingam, May 17, 2023
I took these pictures in Kilinochchi Maveerar Thuyilum Illum during a visit in February 2023.
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When Kilinochchi fell in 2008 the army bulldozed about 4 acres of gravestones – a war crime. Other LTTE graveyards in the North met the same fate.
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I was there at the graveyard on May 11, 2007 when Thamilchelvam was buried. The ground offensive started not long after and Kilinochchi displaced.
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I appeal for the UN to restore the graveyard and protect the dignity of the dead.
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![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Kilinochchi-Maveerar-Thuyilum-Illum-entrance-February-2023-by-Ethir-300x225.jpg)
Entrance to Kilinochchi Maveerar Thuyilum Illum, February 2023
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Kilinochchi-Maveerar-Thuyilum-Illum-graves-A-February-2023-by-Ethir-300x225.jpg)
Graves of Tamil soldiers demolished by Sri Lankan Army in 2008 taken in Feb. 2023, photo by N. Ethirveerasingham
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Kilinochchi-Maveerar-Thuyilum-Illum-graves-B-February-2023-by-Ethir-300x225.jpg)
Graves of Tamil soldiers demolished by Sri Lankan Army in 2008 taken in Feb. 2023, photo by N. Ethirveerasingham
I very much appreciate this information and the photos provided by Dr. Ethirveerasingham.