Summary
Siva Senai /ˈsɪvə sɛnɑː/ (Tamil: சிவா சேனை, romanized: Civā cēṉai, lit. 'Army of Shiva') is a Hindu nationalist political group in Sri Lanka formed to protect the interests of Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus. The group was founded on 12 October 2016.[1] Maravanpulavu Sachchithananthan, a former United Nations official, is the founder of the group, which has received encouragement from the Indian political party Shiv Sena. Siva Senai spearheaded an initiative in December 2017 to allow Sri Lankan pilgrims to visit Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, India.[4] The group has also actively advocated against cattle slaughter in Sri Lanka.[5]
Siva Senai சிவா சேனை | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | SS |
| Leader | Maravanpulavu Sachchithananthan |
| Founder | Maravanpulavu Sachchithananthan |
| Founded | 12 October 2016[1] |
| ECSL status | Registered |
| Armed wing | Siva Senai (H) |
| Ideology | Hindutva[2] Hindu nationalism Shaivism Right-wing populism |
| Political position | Right-wing[3] |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Election symbol | |
| Nandi | |
| Party flag | |
 | |
In 2018, supporters of Siva Senai held protests in Jaffna against cattle slaughter. It also protested against Muslim teachers in Hindu schools wearing Abaya, believing it to be an attempt of Islamisation of Hindus.[6]
References edit
Citations edit
- ^ a b The New Indian Express 2016.
- ^ Columbo Telegraph 2018.
- ^ The Hindu 2016.
- ^ The Hindustan Times 2017.
- ^ The Hindu 2020.
- ^ Fuller, Lisa. "Why is a Hindu group against teachers wearing abaya?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
Sources edit
- "'Siva Senai' formed in Sri Lanka to enable Hindus to face threats from other religion". The New Indian Express. 12 October 2016.
- "Siva Senai's Anti-Muslim Tirade – Buddhists & Hindus Should Be Careful". Colombo Telegraph. 4 June 2018.
- "Mahinda Rajapaksa proposes ban on cattle slaughter". The Hindu. 8 September 2020. ISSN 0971-751X.
- "Now, a 'Siva Senai' group in Sri Lanka – South Asia". The Hindu. 13 October 2016. ISSN 0971-751X.
- "Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus can travel to Chidambaram ferry". Hindustan Times. 22 December 2017.
External links edit
- Siva Senai on Twitter
