C Joseph Vijay, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of the Tamil Manila Congress (TVK), paid tribute to Velupillai Prabhakaran, the founder of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on the anniversary of his death. The tribute was marked by Vijay’s message on social media platform X, which highlighted his commitment to the rights of Tamil individuals residing outside India. The date, May 18, holds significant meaning for the global Tamil diaspora, particularly the Sri Lankan Tamil community.

Vijay stated, “We will carry the memories of Mullivaikkal in our hearts! We will always stand in solidarity for the rights of our Tamil kin living across the sea!” This statement brings attention to Mullivaikkal, a location in Sri Lanka where Prabhakaran was killed by the Sri Lankan army in 2009 during the final phase of the civil war. The day is observed as Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, a time to remember the severe human toll during the closing stages of the 26-year conflict.

Significance of Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day

The Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell Tamil civilians during the civil war, with countless lives lost or altered forever. Observers include not only members of the Sri Lankan Tamil communities but also sections of Tamils from India, reinforcing the widespread recognition of the loss and suffering endured by Tamils during the conflict. The day underscores the ongoing relevance of these historical grievances within the community.

Tens of thousands of Tamil civilians reportedly died, were injured, or went missing during the conflict’s climax in Mullivaikkal, marking a significant chapter in Sri Lanka’s troubled history. The conflict was rooted in claims of discrimination against Sri Lankan Tamils and a push for a separate homeland, evolving into an entrenched ethnic conflict that lasted nearly thirty years. Notably, the LTTE remains banned in India, particularly due to its involvement in the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, implicating Prabhakaran as the principal accused in that case.

Political Landscape and Tamil Narratives

The legacy of Prabhakaran continues to resonate within Tamil political discourse. While mainstream political parties in Tamil Nadu, such as the AIADMK and the DMK, have traditionally approached the subject with caution due to the complexities surrounding the LTTE, newer parties like Vijay’s have embraced a “Tamil First” ideology. Such narratives serve to galvanise a specific identity among Tamil constituents, even as they navigate sensitive historical contexts.

Vijay, whose government relies on the support of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, a party noted for its pro-LTTE stance, seems to be tapping into the sentiments surrounding Tamil nationalism. In prior statements leading up to elections, he has made remarks about the kinship shared with Sri Lankan Tamils. For instance, in a speech given in Nagapattinam district in September 2025, he referred to Eelam Tamils as “umbilical-cord kin” deserving of support and recognition.

Even though the Sri Lankan Tamil issue has not been a prominent theme in recent political campaigns in Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s tribute to Prabhakaran reflects an ongoing commitment to raise awareness about the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka and worldwide. His statements stress a collective responsibility to advocate for their rights and welfare, reaffirming the enduring connection between Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people across the sea.

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