TODAY!!- Tamils to Protest Sri Lankan Independence Day

The whole of the Kiwi Tamil community is in utter despair and is desperate for peace in the Vanni region of northern Sri Lanka. Many, many Kiwi Tamils have families and friends trapped by the fighting in the Vanni region. The Sri Lankan government is refusing the United Nations, aid agencies and the media to have access to the trapped and dying civilians. The need for proper access has been repeatedly stated by governments, aid agencies and human rights groups

On Wednesday February 4th 2009, the Tamil community are holding rallies and protests around New Zealand.

Although Sri Lanka might mark its independence on this day, Tamils see this as the start of the oppression of the Tamil people. It marks the beginning of the genocide of Tamils.

The protests are supported by a raft of various non-governmental groups including Global Justice and Peace Auckland.

The protests are as follows:

4th February Vigil Details:
Auckland: 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm, Aotea square (Queen Street)
Wellington: 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm, Queens Wharf / procession to Parliament
Christchurch: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Triangle Centre / Cathedral Square

ENDS