Support the General Strike in the North and East; Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi

17-Aug-2025

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M.A. Sumanthiran, General Secretary of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), has called for support from all quarters for the general strike to be observed on August 18 across the Northern and Eastern provinces against the extensive military presence in those regions. Leaflets in support of the strike have been distributed in various areas of the North and East.

Sumanthiran had previously called for a full-scale shutdown of the two provinces on August 15 to protest the ongoing heavy military presence, emphasizing that all parties should cooperate. 

However, due to the Mannar Madumatha Temple festival occurring on the same day, and following consultations with the Chief Minister of Mannar district, the strike was postponed to the afternoon of August 18 to coincide with the Nallur Murugan Temple festival, Sumanthiran announced.

In his announcement regarding the strike, Sumanthiran stated that “Since 2010, we have continuously raised our voices in Parliament and outside it against the excessive military presence in the North and East. 

The long-term military camps among the population have caused severe ongoing consequences and disruptions, exemplified by the Muthaiyankattu incident. This situation must not continue. We urge everyone to support the general strike, expressing our condemnation of these developments.”

On August 15, ITAK members distributed leaflets in various parts of the North, including Nelliady, in support of the strike.