A Mini-Series by Sriram Tawker
📌 Based on a Real Incident
📚 Missed the previous chapters? Catch up below:
➡️ Read Chapter 1 – Beginning of the End
Previously on The Children of War:
In the northern town of Jaffna in Sri Lanka, a historic announcement sets the stage for upheaval. Veteran Tamil leader Amritaraj, a revered figure in the fight for equal rights, declares a massive peace protest — a final act of defiance in a long struggle for justice.
Among the local leaders is Kesavan, the passionate youth wing leader, caught between duty to his people and devotion to his pregnant wife, Chintana, who is just a week away from giving birth. As he prepares to lead the protest, doubt gnaws at him — what if the government cracks down? What will happen to his family if he doesn’t return?
While hope burns bright in Jaffna, the ruling powers begin to stir. A storm is coming.
Chapter 2 – The Retaliation
🗓️ May 27, 1981 – Kandy, Sri Lanka
It was eleven at night, but the police headquarters in Kandy was buzzing with activity. Tension hung in the air as the Minister of Defence, Cyril Mathew, was expected to arrive in the next sixty minutes.
It had all started earlier that evening, when the Chief of Police received a direct call from the minister. He was instructed to urgently assemble a police battalion. Cyril had made one thing clear — every member of this special force had to be Sinhalese. He would be arriving in person within a few hours to brief the newly formed unit.
The Chief and his aides immediately began shortlisting officers, contacting them one by one, and summoning them to report to headquarters without delay. Within an hour, five hundred officers had been selected and were now seated in the main conference hall — tense, confused, and unaware of what awaited them.
Exactly at half past midnight, a convoy of cars rolled into the HQ. From one of the flagged vehicles, Cyril Mathew stepped out. He was a tall, well-built man with white hair and a naturally athletic look. He was received by the Chief of Police and his top brass, but wasted no time on greetings.
Escorted directly into the conference room, Cyril entered with quiet command. As he walked in, the officers stood at attention. Without acknowledging anyone, he walked to the center of the stage and surveyed the room for a few seconds before gesturing for everyone to sit. When the Chief stepped forward to introduce the new team, Cyril stopped him with a raised hand. He preferred to speak directly:
“I know you’re all surprised by this sudden late-night call-up. But when we took the oath to protect this nation, we agreed to stand guard in its darkest hours. And today, we face one such threat — one we must neutralize before it grows beyond control.”
He paused, his voice steady and deliberate.
“I trust your Chief here, and he in turn trusts all of you. That’s why you’re here. I’m about to share some classified information.”
A ripple of murmurs passed through the crowd. Cyril’s expression hardened.
“As you know, the TULF party has been organizing protests across the country, demanding so-called ‘equal rights.’ What you don’t know is that tomorrow, in Jaffna, they are planning something more dangerous — a large-scale protest designed to provoke violence. Our intelligence suggests they may even attempt to attack Sinhalese civilians.”
The officers were stunned. The TULF had always been known for non-violence and peaceful protests. A long silence followed, broken only when the Chief of Police raised a hesitant objection.
“Sir, we were already informed about the protest. It’s registered as a peaceful demonstration. The party has never engaged in violence.”
Cyril turned sharply toward him.
“I have intelligence reports which states otherwise. Are we going to act now or wait until lives are lost?”
The Chief backed down quickly.
“Apologies, sir. I was only sharing the information I had.”
Cyril ignored the apology and continued.
“All of you have been chosen for this special assignment. From this moment, you are to cut off contact with the outside world — no family, no friends, no distractions. You are part of this task force until the mission is complete. Understood?”
The room was silent. Officers shifted uneasily in their seats. Cyril scanned their faces, then repeated the question more firmly.
“Do you understand?”
This time, the response came loud and clear: “Yes, sir.”
Cyril gave a small nod.
“Good. Our goal is simple — to stop this protest at any cost, and to silence this organization before it spreads further unrest. You will be transported to Jaffna in a few hours. I will be with you on the ground. This is about restoring peace and protecting our people. I am ready to risk my life for this cause — and I expect the same from each of you.
Let’s break this protest and re-establish justice.”
With those final words, Cyril walked briskly out of the conference room.
The officers remained seated, still processing what had just happened. The Chief stood quietly, a shadow of concern crossing his face. Something told him that what was coming in Jaffna wouldn’t just change the town — it might change the country.
🙏 Thank you for reading Chapter 2.
👉 Chapter 3 drops next Thursday.
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