Documentary Video on Women Tigers released

[TamilNet, Sunday, 02 November 2003, 00:04 GMT]
A documentary video production labelled Akkini Paravaikal ('Volcanic Birds') depicting the evolutionary growth of the women tiger movement, including the early experiences in the battle field, training methods used and social difficulties faced by fighters within the conservative Tamil society, was released in Kilinochchi at 5pm Saturday, LTTE sources in Vanni said.

Col. Balraj speaking at the event

Senior Commander Col.Balraj, who is generally credited with first deploying women fighting groups in the successful attack against Mankulam camp in 1990, said that women tigers have shown that they are equal to men in battlefield. Women tigers have contributed immensely to LTTE's military successes, he added. The video documentary will help to inform our people and our future generations of the historic changes brought about by Tamil women in battle, Col.Balraj said.

Ms. Thamilni, Head of Women's Political Wing of Liberation Tigers giving the introductory speech

Athiluxmy Sivakumar from Voice of Tigers, Senior LTTE member V.Balakumaran, and Ms. Arulanantham from University of Jaffna also spoke.

Head of LTTE Women's Political Wing, Thamilini, speaking at the event described how the Tamil society is continuing to change as achievements of women tigers help to break dogmas rooted in Tamil society.

Head of the Martyr’s office of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Mr. Pon Thiyagam, and Mrs.Thiyagam lit the ceremonial lamp. Senior Women fighter and Director of Sencholai Children's Home, Sudarmahal, hoisted the Tamil Eelam flag.

Head of the LTTE's Nitharsanam Television section, Pramila, presided the ceremony, according to Vanni sources.

Deputy Head of LTTE Political Section, S.Thangan, presented awards to the producers, artists and technical personnel who produced the video. The event concluded at 10pm after Uthayaluxmi who produced the script with Neriyalkai and Serumathi, gave vote of thanks.

Ms. Sudarmahal, Head of the Chencholai Children's home

Mr. and Mrs. Pon Thiyagam lighting the ceremonial lamp

Ms. Arulanantham speaking at the event

Deputy Head of the Political Wing, Mr. S. Thangan honoured the artists behind the documentary