New chapter in Tamil struggle for political rights

May 28, 2012,

Historically, it was the violence against the Tamil people that drove them to take up violence themselves. When peaceful struggle was consistently and brutally quenched by violent means, Tamil youth were forced to resort to violence.

Frustrated by the inability to achieve anything by peaceful means, Tamil youth were driven to resort to armed struggle.

The 30 years of violent political struggle starting from the 1980s is a deep-rooted chapter in the history of the Tamil people. This chapter of blood, tears, courage, despair and great destruction achieved two things:

Speech delivered by R. Sampanthan, MP, Leader of the Tamil National Alliance at the 14th Annual ITAK Convention (May 2012)

As those in service to the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi, which has become the political symbol of the Tamil Nation, with its own political culture and ideals, we are proud to gather here for its 14th National Convention in the year 2012.

We are gathered here in hope and expectation, in circumstances never before experienced since Sri Lanka is said to have gained independence, 60 years ago. Read More...