Beginning of the Black July Anti-Tamil Riots
July 24th, 1983
July 24th, 1983
How Long Ago?
41 years, 7 months, 19 days ago
Location
Sri Lanka
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Sri Lankan Civil War
Links & References
Tags
Beginning of the Black July Anti-Tamil Riots
The Black July riots erupted in Sri Lanka as a violent response to the killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers in an ambush by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Jaffna. Leading to widespread anti-Tamil violence across the island, the riots saw Sinhala mobs attack Tamil homes and businesses, resulting in deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of Tamils. The death toll estimates range from 400 to 3,000 individuals, marking a significant escalation in ethnic tensions as the civil conflict intensified.
Violence sparked by the killing of soldiers.
Death toll estimates range from 400 to 3,000.
Tamils faced widespread attacks and displacement.
Event marked the escalation of the Sri Lankan Civil War.
What Happened?
In July 1983, escalating tensions between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka reached a critical breaking point following an ambush by the LTTE, which resulted in the deaths of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers. In retaliation, the Sri Lankan state, influenced by nationalist sentiment, witnessed a wave of mob violence targeting Tamils. Mob attacks began on the night of July 24, with assaults on Tamil neighborhoods and the burning of Tamil-owned businesses across major cities including Colombo. Over the next several days, violence surged, with unprovoked assaults leading to mass killings and arson.
Why Does it Matter?
The Black July riots are recognized as a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka's history, often seen as the catalyst for the prolonged Sri Lankan Civil War. The attacks deepened mistrust and animosity between the Sinhala and Tamil communities, leading many Tamils to seek armed protection, which resulted in an increase in recruitment for the LTTE. The events heralded a decade and a half of intense conflict that not only reshaped the sociopolitical landscape of Sri Lanka but also garnered international attention and criticism towards the Sri Lankan government. The legacy of Black July continues to affect ethnic relations in the country.
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