Girls of The Tamileelam Tiger

Extract from the book named "Women Fighters of Liberation Tigers"
written by Ms.Adele Balasingam

The Indo- LTTE war broke out on the 10th October1987. On the very first day of the war, the LTTE women unit confronted the Indian troops at the strategic junction of Kopay, a village 5 kilometers from the Jaffna city. As a convoy of Indian troops advanced along the Navatkuli-Kopay Road the LTTE women fighters encamped at Kopay were prepared to confront a powerful force.

The women fighters were near the Kopay junction in defensive positions when a convoy of Indian troops arrived in the black of the night. Hundreds of troops jumped out of their vehicles and started to advance towards the women fighter's positions. Heavy fighting broke out. Our women cadres fought hard, putting up fierce resistance against a formidable contingent with superior firepower. In that clash Malathy died. Malathy was the first women fighter to die in battle. Janani, a veteran of many battles, takes up the story of Malathy's death.

"We were in our bunkers firing at the army. Hundreds of Indian troops had jumped out of their vehicles and were firing as they moved towards us. Motor shells were exploding everywhere. We knew the army was advancing quickly. Malathy was shot in both legs. She couldn't move and she was bleeding profusely. Realising that she was mortally wounded, she swallowed cyanide. A decision had been made to withdraw because we were heavily out-numbered. Myself and another girl went over to carry Malathy. Malathy refused to come with us. She begged us to leave her and asked us to withdraw. Nevertheless, we lifted Malathy and carried her and when we arrived at a safe place she was dead."