Ezequiel Freitas – President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak (TMR), said the Caras Massacre that took place in 1983 was an event of great significance to the history of Timor-Leste because it served as a catalyst for many other incursions against the enemy and served as a reminder a war was being waged in the country.
The 30th Anniversary of the Craras Massacre took place on 28 November during the Proclamation of Independence Day celebration held in Craras, Viqueque District, in 2013.
President TMR added the people expressed their desire for self determination through difference acts of defiance such as in Dili in 1980 and in Ainaro in 1982.
"We pay homage to all Timorese who sacrificed their lives for our nation's sovereignty, their commitment and their death," said President TMR, during the Proclamation of Independence Day commemoration on 28 November held in Craras, Viqueque District in 2013.
He added the massacre in Craras led to other uprisings in Lospalos, Baucau and other locations across Timor-Leste. President TMR added many heroes died but the Timorese kept fighting untill the end and their determination led to the eventual independence of the country.
"The nation also pays homage to the widows and orphans, for their sacrifice in the defence of the nation and for independence and freedom," said President TMR. "We must continue strengthening a nation that is peaceful and stable and be diligent at work. We must work hard to develop our country so every Timorese has a better life."
Renato da Costa Amaral, a survivor of the Craras Massacre said he was captured by the Indonesian military and taken to the Military District Commando (Kodim) post.
"There 18 of us were meant to be taken out in a car to get killed. I overheard the driver speaking to the Indonesian military commander saying they were doing to tie us all inside the car so I jumped out and hid by sitting down among the population," said survivor Amaral.
He said his friends did not manage to get out of the car and were tied up and taken to Wetutukuru where they were subsequently executed.