Major Sothia´s historical memoir

Matyrs
Major Sothia´s historical memoir

Major Sothiya

Vasanthy Michael

Tamil Eelam (Jaffna District)

Born: 26-09-1969

Death: 11-01-1990

The memorial of Major Sothiya, the first female commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Vasanthy Michael is a native of Nelliyadi, Vadamaradchi in Jaffna District. She is a medical student at the University of Jaffna. She joined the LTTE in 1984 and returned home after get training at the first training camp. She was a paramedic and commander in the LTTE.

She has witnessed many domains, from the first female LTTE offensive led by Victor to the attacks on the Indian Army. She fell ill on a Christmas day. Then she died on 11.01.1990. The Women’s Brigade “Sothiya Brigade” was formed in her name on 14.07.1996. It topped in all successive domains. The brigade has lost about five hundred fighters to date. Major Sothiya´s personality and skills are the basis for the development of the Women’s Brigade to this day.

The days in Manalaaru is unforgettable days. The cool green forest. That is our Manalaaru. The feel of honesty of being militants. The feel of being aside with brother, the leader. The days have become unforgettable for me.

It was in the time of Indian Military Period. That was the time when we show Major Sothiya. She was a high miserable woman, a good-looking woman. The visited us with very kind smile, she was working a paramedical in the forest.

“Sothiya sister, my stomach..”, “Sothiya sister, my fever…”

Whenever we get upset we always called for Sothiya. She was always there in no time. Sothiya fulfilled our needs. The village Nelliyadi gave her to us. She was a higher educational student.

The forest is extensive and global. We always felt a cold scary silence. We sometimes thought, did even the birds squeal loudly after seeing us? There was silence as it seems. Also our conversations was with soft and silent voices.

Search anywhere, search for anything. We set up camp without destroying all the forest in the forest. We sang and had happy times. Our leader, under his direct supervision, also carried out our practice in the forest. It was also the first step in developing women’s individual management skills, from cooking to combat training. Major Sothiya was the only leader who was best viewed with respect and love by all fighters.

We were walking a lot. Walking for food. Walking after food. The night joined us. The stars shined for us.

Our body felt the tiredness of morning work, But our kind and friendly talks throw everything away and again fell happy. There are always mosquito bites on heavy nights. Sothiya looked after us and gave us treatment in need. Her compassion and kindness made me think of my mother. When she gave a stern command, she made me think of my father. With her laughter, she made me think of my schoolmates.

When we did something wrong and had to tell her, I felt like she was a Christian pastor to whom we have to tell only the truth.

Green shirt and green jeans. It was her favorite outfit. That even suit Sothiya. If she wear this green outfit, you surely knew that she would meet our brother, our leader. We grew up with all the jobs in the jungle, camping, moving on the compass, battle training. She was a leader who planned everything and explained to all the fighters. She listened to their advice, had the ability to share the work and manage the people.

We went to Nelliyadi carrying her body to her mother and father. Even though Sothiya wanted her body to be in Manalaaru. Sothiyas town gathered and cried. There was tens of thousands of people to the funeral, regardless of religion. We went back to the forest with new speed and spirit. Today we saw the players entering the field and the power of the female commanders.

Sothiya – Look at us. Our run, everything we manage, because of you. We carry your name in your heart and the brigade bearing your name. We remember our sister Major Sothiya today of her Memorial Day. We remember she brought victory to many fighters who fought on many fronts for the liberation of Tamil Eelam and for the liberation of the people of Tamil Eelam. On this Memorial Day we also remember the other heroes who also became maveerar.

We will definitely continue our fight until Tamil Eelam is in our hands.