Demand for banning pro-LTTE parties

Chennai, Apr 28 (UNI) Congress leader Vazhapadi Rama Suganthan today urged the Centre to ban the Marumalarchi DMK (MDMK) and other political parties, which he alleged were openly supporting the banned LTTE movement.

In a statement here, Mr Suganthan, also the Managing Trustee of Rajiv Gandhi-Vazhapadi K Ramamoorthy Welfare Trust, recalled that the Centre had banned the LTTE on the Indian soil on a plea made by his father and late Congress leader Vazhapadi K Ramamoorthy.

He also pointed out that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had told the Assembly that 'he (Mr Karunanidhi) was not a supporter of the LTTE and that the outfit would have no place in the state.' The Chief Minister had also instructed the state police to check LTTE activities, he recalled.

However, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko had openly announced his party's support for LTTE and its activities, Mr Ramamoorthy noted.

Mr Vaiko's announcement amounted to endangering security and integrity of the nation, he said and added that ''it is high time for the Centre to ban the MDMK and other parties for openly supporting the LTTE.

The Election Commission of India should derecognise the MDMK, Mr Suganthan demanded.

He also appealed to the Centre and state governments to initiate steps for the release of 12 Indian fishermen, who were allegedly abducted by LTTE and detained in its camps.

UNI