Dark memories on 23rd April
No one wishes to hear the word terrorism as they are aware
of its ruthlessness and ferociousness. No one can also forget the devastation caused by the terrorists throughout 30 years.
This is another episode of that dark era which was engulfed with brutality due to the atrocities committed by the barbaric insurgents.
A powerful claymore mine planted by the terrorists in the Chenkaladi area on 23rd April 1991 exploded taking away the lives of two war heroes who were on mobile patrol. A group of war heroes was caught up in a landmine planted by the terrorists in the Kanchakulam area on 23rd April 1992. Two war heroes died as a result of its explosion. Valachchenai was the next target of the terrorists.
Three war heroes were killed in the terrorist attack unleashed on 23rd April 1996. On the same day several war heroes died in two attacks launched by the tiger terrorists in the Muwanikade and Jaffna areas. An army jeep was caught up in a landmine planed by the terrorists in the Pampamadu area on 23rd April in the year 2000. Two war heroes died in this incident.
The tiger terrorists barged into the Kallampattuwa village on 23rd April 2006 and inhumanely slaughtered and killed five innocent civilians. On 23rd April in the year 2007, a vehicle which was carrying civilians was caught up in a claymore mine explosion in the Settikulam area in Vauniya. The number of civilians killed in this explosion was four. Again on 23rd April 2008, several terrorist groups entered the Muhamalai area in Jaffna. 100 heroic soldiers were killed as a result of the attacks unleashed by the terrorists.
In the year 2009 also on a day like today several terrorist assaults were unleashed in the Puthukudiyiruppu, Wellamulli-waikkal and its surroundings. 27 war heroes made supreme sacrifices on behalf of the country in these assaults.
Terrorism which plagued the country in this manner was annihilated on 18th May 2009. By then the number of lives taken away by the barbaric terrorists on 23rd April throughout the dark era was 170. Among them were 12 innocent civilians while the other 158 were valiant soldiers.
The troops commenced their advancement making supreme sacrifices following the fearless decisions taken by President Rajapaksa and under the prudent guidance of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The troops brought freedom to the country ending terrorism amidst many dedications. The people of the country will not permit anyone to destroy this freedom and the peace that is being enjoyed by the entire nation.
Certain organizations which are exerting various pressure under the cover of human rights are doing so to achieve the parochial aims of the Western powers. The patriotic citizens have already identified these groups. It is a long time ago that they have decided as to how these groups should be treated. Elements which go against the motherland are aware of as to what their fate should be, if they attempt to destroy this freedom in the country.
The entire nation will not be reluctant to defeat various forces and conspiracies, safeguarding the leader as well as the country. It is purely because that the patriotic fraternity which loves the country is living within the island nation.
