To mark the 39th anniversary of Thileepan’s death, the University of Jaffna Students’ Union organised a symbolic fast on September 25 outside the university.

Religious representatives, relatives of people who have been forcibly disappeared, and members of community organisations joined university students at the event.

Police went to the site of the fast and questioned the students. It was also reported that permission to use loudspeakers at the event had not been granted.

On September 15, 1987, Thileepan began a hunger strike without food or water in Nallur, Jaffna, presenting five demands.

He died on September 26 after the fast had continued for 12 days.

Commemorative events marking the 39th anniversary of his death are taking place in Jaffna and other parts of the North and East.