The ban on the LTTE in India, in force from 1992 and being extended every two years, should continue, Tribunal decides.

Observing that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) still remains a threat to the country's security, Justice Vikramajit Sen of the Delhi High Court, constituting the one-man Tribunal, yesterday (Nov 12) upheld the May 14, 2010 notification of the Central Government extending the ban on the outfit for two years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Tribunal said there was sufficient evidence that pro-LTTE elements and remnant LTTE cadres, with the help of local smugglers, were actively participating in unlawful activities in the country. “The LTTE remains a threat to India's security, integrity and sovereignty. The Central government has succeeded in establishing that supporters of the LTTE in India have been spreading anti-India feeling among Tamils through public speeches and Internet portals.”

Justice Sen said: “Indian soil is being used for unlawful activities propelled by the remnant cadres of the LTTE. There is sufficient material to declare the LTTE as unlawful association as contemplated under the Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act. Therefore, the declaration made by the Central government notification dated May 14 is confirmed”, the Hindu reported today (Nov 13).

Agreeing with the Centre's stand, Justice Sen said, “Illegal immigration of LTTE cadres through coastal areas, smuggling of narcotics to raise funds and supply of fuel and explosives from the Indian soil are all evidence of the active presence of LTTE in India.”
The Centre had justified the notification by drawing the Tribunal's attention to the support being extended to the LTTE by various groups, conducting public meetings, processions and demonstrations which were against the sovereignty, security and integrity of the nation.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko argued that the ground on which the government had sought to extend the ban was baseless and unjustified. He said innocent people fleeing from Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu were branded LTTE cadres and forced to return or stay in special camps. He prayed for quashing the notification.

On behalf of Tamil Nadu, the Tribunal was notified that after the notification the activities of LTTE supporters had increased. The number of cases registered by Tamil Nadu would show the political support being extended to the LTTE and hence the ban, in force from 1992 and being extended every two years, should continue.