Centre's ban on LTTE must be obeyed: MK

Chennai, Aug 7: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi told the Assembly today that though the Centre's ban on LTTE was debatable, everyone should abide by the order and warned of stern action against those who worked against India's unity and sovereignty.

Replying to a special mention raised by Mr C Gnansekaran (Cong) on the recent rally and demonstration staged by the Revolutionary Youth Front (RYF) in support of the LTTE at Tirupattur, he said if anyone defied the ban, they should be prepared to face the consquences.

It was acceptable if the demonstrations were staged to express sympathy for the Eelam Tamils and sentiments to the Sinhalese and the Centre.

Such demonstrations need not be opposed as we cannot tolerate the killing of innocent Tamils. However, violence is not an answer to violence.

The organisers of the demonstration headed by RYF Vellore District Convenor Ananthakrishnan sought persmission to hold the demonstration condemning the 'Sinhala Government for the deaths of innocent Tamils in the island nation.' Accordingly, about 400 agitators, including 150 women, took part in the rally on July 31.

The district officials informed him there was no tension due to the rally and the situation closely monitored.

The rally was staged only to express sympathy with the Sri Lankan Tamils. The government would not have remained a mute spectator if the situation if had taken a different turn, he added.

Earlier, Mr Gnanasekaran urged the government to curb such divisive forces with an iron hand. He said the agitators demanded the lifting the ban on the LTTE and also raised slogans in support of the outfit.

The agitators warned India would disintegrate if the ban was not immediately lifted. Stating LTTE Chief Prabharakaran was cited as the first accused in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the Congress MLA said a non-bailable warrant was issued against him.

Now, an attempt was being made to sow the seeds of terrorism in Tamil Nadu which remains a haven of peace and sought to know how the police gave persmission for the rally and demonstration.

UNI

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