PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Thursday hailed the European Court of Justice ruling that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) should be removed from European Union’s list of terror outfits. In this backdrop, he urged the Indian government to lift the 26-year-old ban on LTTE imposed following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
“This is a landmark and historic judgment. The Centre should release all people who have been arrested for speaking in support of and helping the LTTE,” Dr. Ramadoss said in a statement.
Dr. Ramadoss sought the unconditional release of Perarivalan, Murugan, Nalini and other convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan also termed the verdict historic. However, the European Union’s statement that it would take a decision on lifting the ban on the LTTE only after reviewing the judgment was shocking.
Mr. Thirumavalavan urged the European Union to officially lift the ban on the LTTE and said winning the support from the international community is the major task for the Tamils who need to work together.
MDMK leader Vaiko too demanded lifting of the ban on LTTE.
He said the judge had made it very clear that there was no evidence to suggest that the LTTE intended to resort to terrorist activities.
He also pointed out that the same court refused to lift the ban on Hamas despite the wider support enjoyed by it in Arab countries.
