A fight to the death in Westminster

**Vince Noir** · April 10, 2009, 01:18 PM

At the age of 21, Sivatharsan Sivakumaravel is preparing to die. Lying under layers of damp duvets and surrounded by passionate and at times tearful supporters, Mr Sivakumaravel is one of two young Tamil men who have vowed to starve themselves to death outside the Houses of Parliament unless Britain forces the Sri Lankan government to call an immediate ceasefire in its war with Tamil Tiger rebels.

Mr Sivakumaravel should be like any other university fresher, enjoying the carefree existence of a first-year student. His family fled Sri Lanka eight years ago, settled in Mitcham in Surrey, and have pushed their three sons to earn themselves a university degree and to try to forget about the three decades of conflict that have blighted their homeland.

But instead of studying for upcoming exams, or exploring the town with his new university friends, Mr Sivakumaravel is voluntarily fasting to death.
The computer science student and his Sri Lankan university friend Parameswarn Subramaniyan, 28, have both been refusing food and water since 10am on Tuesday in protest at what they say is the international community's inaction over the ongoing conflict in their homeland.

They have signed statements saying they will refuse any medical assistance until their demands are met and are already in poor health because of dehydration. Speaking to The Independent from his makeshift bed in Parliament Square a tired and weakening Mr Sivakumaravel said he would continue his hunger strike even if the police or paramedics tried to remove him. "My mother keeps phoning me, telling me to stop this protest but I will not eat or drink anything until we have a ceasefire," he said yesterday. "The world has ignored the Tamil people for too long. My wish is that we will be the last two Tamil deaths because of this war."

Does he honestly think this will put pressure on our government? The boy will die. And when he dies his family are just going to blame our 'tyranical government' for his death. If 2 million protesting against the war in Iraq does nothing to alter Labour's foreign policy, then a few thousand protesters and a kid on hunger strike will probably go completely unnoticed.

Although, I suppose it is all about 'the political message' he trying to convey. Gandhi was lucky, this guy wont be. Your views on this kind of protest?

**~~Roman Rapper~~** · April 10, 2009, 01:42 PM

If, like me, you live in London, then you will have no doubt seen over the last few weeks these Sri Lankan protesters in various places around the city. The extent to which the (quite small) Sri Lankan community in London has galvanised and come together to try to put an end to the war crimes being carried out in their home country is truly extraordinary, and every one of the protesters deserves the highest praise.

**IrishHitman** · April 10, 2009, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by Empi Rapper

If, like me, you live in London, then you will have no doubt seen over the last few weeks these Sri Lankan protesters in various places around the city. The extent to which the (relativly small) Sri Lankan community in London has galvanised and come together to try to put an end to the war crimes being carried out in their home country is truly extraordinary, and every one of the protesters deserves the highest praise.

Praise is indeed in order, but not for their political competence....

**VALIS** · April 10, 2009, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Empi Rapper

If, like me, you live in London, then you will have no doubt seen over the last few weeks these Sri Lankan protesters in various places around the city. The extent to which the (quite small) Sri Lankan community in London has galvanised and come together to try to put an end to the war crimes being carried out in their home country is truly extraordinary, and every one of the protesters deserves the highest praise.

You do realize the Tamil Tigers are recognized as a terrorist group and have committed several civilian atrocities don't you?

**Ältester der Motten** · April 10, 2009, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by Duke

You do realize the Tamil Tigers are recognized as a terrorist group and have committed several civilian atrocities don't you?

This means nothing by itself though. Context is everything, my dear compagnion.

However I hardly know the context, so could anyone pleeeeeease provide me with delicious knowledge so I may grow wiser?

**Father Jack** · April 10, 2009, 01:45 PM

It hasn't worked in the past and the government don't seem to particularly care about the protests (the have more pressing matters eg. economy) so I doubt his death will do anything. Nothing but a waste of a young blokes life really.

**razor-** · April 10, 2009, 01:46 PM

We have some Tamil protesters here on a hunger strike in Denmark too demanding that our goverment do something. Well what do they want a little country like us to do? Send an angry letter and demand ceasefire? Send in troops while we are already in another unpopular war? And why should it suddenly be our responsibility? I really hope for them that they come to their senses before starving to death because nothing will be done.

**rusina** · April 10, 2009, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by razor-

We have some Tamil protesters here on a hunger strike in Denmark too demanding that our goverment do something. Well what do they want a little country like us to do?

Offending cartoons about Hindu gods?

**~~Roman Rapper~~** · April 10, 2009, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by razor-

We have some Tamil protesters here on a hunger strike in Denmark too demanding that our goverment do something. Well what do they want a little country like us to do? Send an angry letter and demand ceasefire? Send in troops while we are already in another unpopular war? And why should it suddenly be our responsibility? I really hope for them that they come to their senses before starving to death because nothing will be done.

I think the more relevant question is do you really expect these Sri Lankan ex pats, wherever they may be currenty living, to sit back and do nothing, and not protest, while their people are butchered?

**Ältester der Motten** · April 10, 2009, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by Empi Rapper

I think the more relevant question is do you really expect these Sri Lankan ex pats, wherever they may be currenty living, to sit back and do nothing, and not protest, while their people are butchered?

Were they not "just" oppressed?

If not, pray direct me to sources so I can enlighten myself.

**Khannis** · April 10, 2009, 01:52 PM

Let stupid people be stupid, don't try to be smart for them. Waste of time.

**Da Skinna** · April 10, 2009, 01:57 PM

Suicide can have a point too ya know. It's called martyrdom.

**Father Jack** · April 10, 2009, 02:06 PM

They can always join the Tamil Tigers rather than starving to death in the city of Westminster. Another problem is that the UK officialy recognises the Tamil Tigers as a terrorist organisation, so it puts the government into a position when it would be foolish of them to condemn the Sri Lankan government.

**~~Roman Rapper~~** · April 10, 2009, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Macky

They can always join the Tamil Tigers rather than starving to death in the city of Westminster.

They obviously would not want to join the Tamil Tigers because they do not support the Tamil Tigers. They are protesting against the way in which tens of thousands of innocent citizens - who are not associated with the TT - have been killed in the war against the TT.

**Khannis** · April 10, 2009, 02:15 PM

I know it's called Martyrdom, but it exists only in taking for granted people's stupidity. That said, it DOES exist, then let the guy be a Martyr to whatever cause he likes.

Unless you're the one who's gonna suffer with his Martyrdom, then force-feed him in a cage or something. I don't really care.