In an apparent warning to a pro-LTTE group, the Tamil Nadu government said "stringent action" would be taken against those speaking in support of banned organizations and eulogizing their leaders.

Speaking in support of banned organizations, using the portraits of its leaders, their flags and insignia in public places for advertisement purposes or printing, portraying, publishing or broadcasting and telecasting is an offence under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the PTI reported quoting Chief Secretary, K Sripathy.

'Violation of this will attract "stringent action," and any organization which organizes public meetings, conferences and rallies should bear this in mind', he said.

The warning was issued after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which is part of the DMK-Congress alliance, held meetings to celebrate the 48th birthday of its leader Thol Thirumavalavan.

Thirumavalavan had reportedly underlined his party's commitment towards Ealam, a separate homeland for Tamils, and asserted that the LTTE leader V Prabhakaran would return to continue the war in Sri Lanka.