20 years on, a collective voice for forgiveness in Kaathaankudy-A pictorial
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“Mutual forgiveness of each vice. Such are the Gates of Paradise”~William Blake (November 28th 1757-Augsut 12th 1827). English Poet, Painter and Print maker
It is always an enchanting drive through the city of Kaathaankudy. Kaathaankudy is a small city which is situated in the Eastern Province, Batticaloa District. It is known for its own distinct culture.
The city is famous for the most number of mosques per square kilometer in the world. The city is one of the most densely populated cities in South Asia. 60,000 people live in 1.5 square kilometers. The overall majority of the population is ethnic Muslims, about 90%.
The distance between Colombo and Kaathaankudy is 318 kilometers (203 miles).
The people of Kaathaankudy are very hospitable and want to co-exist with other communities.
It was a Friday- August 4th 1990, when men and boys were prostrate in “Isha” prayers at 7.30pm. As the devotees knelt in prayers the cadres of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam opened fire at the worshippers at Majithul Meera Grand Mosque and Hussenia Mosque.
A total of 147 were killed in the two attacks. Many lives were lost, unwanted dreadful experiences were shared and mistrust grew enormously over the years.
Days, weeks, months and years have passed.
August 4th 2010 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Mosque massacre in Kaathaankudy.
Today, a collective voice for forgiveness can be clearly heard in Kaathaankudy.
Traditional Bullock carts are still being used in Kaathaankudy
M.T.Noordeen wants to forget the awful memories of witnessing the horror
Time to check and chat on well being
“We all are humanbeings, and make mistakes. We should forget the past, forgive each other and understand each other to live peacefully” says Naagoorthamby Masutha (36)
They are accomodative
Many say past should not be reflected
Importance to renew the relationship between the Muslims and Tamils is felt wholeheartedly by both communities
Looking for a new beginning
Special prayers are offered by the loved ones
Names of the people who were killed at Majithul Meera Grand Mosque are displayed at the same Mosque
The city has been a hotspot in 1990
Scars of the two decade long incident remain still
Call for prayers
A view of Majithul Meera Grand Mosque
“It was a horrible scene to witness where my beloved brothers were shot dead at a close range. It was a miracle that I managed to survive” says emotional S.I.M.Ismath (67)
Five year-old Sajan Kasim Athambawa
Kaathaankudy is a bustling town
Heavy load of firewood carriers are always an inviting scene in the East.
A scene on the street of Kaathaankudy
Kaathaankudy has a very rich distinct culture
Discussions are taking place on co-existence
A Rooster stands steady on a dried Coconut leaf fence
Cricket at dusk
Sunset in Kaathaankudy
Thank you. Have a pleasant journey
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HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com
Thanks a lot editor to brought out my city in front of me and to remind me the horrible scence of the unforgettable incident that was staged two decades ago in my hometown.
I hopefully expect still more articles of my city from you.
Thanks again.
sum. Mujahith
kattankudy
Your text and photography create positive thoughts.
thank you.
Dushi has done another good work.Keep it up.
“We all are humanbeings, and make mistakes. We should forget the past, forgive each other and understand each other to live peacefully” – Well Said. Tamils & Muslims are living in harmony for long period and some politician are using these people for own purpose.
kaathaankudy harima pau
Dushi,
Thanks. That’s lovely.
Brings back memories of going to Batticaloa for school holidays in the 60′s. My dad was a public servant and and had ‘warrants’ for 1st class train travel.
The train reaches Valaichenai around dawn. It then becomes time to open the carriage windows and enjoy the vast stretches of white sand.
All those niceties being sold by vendors on the platforms in the stations that follow.
Great!!
Dushi, thank you very much for giving all memories of Katankudy incident 20 years ago. The photographs bring back memories but now Katankudy is a newly built town. It is now bigger than Batticloa.
All humanity needs this, deserves it. Forgiveness leads to reconciliation and peace. Thank you for this presentation.
thank you very much. i had lots of friends earlier. i want to meet them by nearly. you gave me that rememberance.
To my muslim brothers, I as a Jaffna Tamil feel embarassed for what the LTTE did to our muslim friends. I am very sorry, please go back to your homes in Jaffna and claim your homes back. Jaffna cannot survive without you all being there. Good luck in whatever you do.
God bless you all.
Rod
DUSHI
fantastic,fabulous ……..thank you very much,
keep it up
i love kathankudi city last august 2009 i beig in kathankudi first time of my life . i never enjoy my life but the day i visit kathankudy . i hope i can visit again this remakble city of kathankudi thanks fo the editor u wake up my memory again