TNA MPs welcome POTA's repeal, urge India to revoke ban

[TamilNet, Friday, 13 August 2004, 13:52 GMT]
''We welcome the Indian Central Government for its intention to abolish the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). At the same time, we also urge the Indian Government to consider lifting the ban on the LTTE and create a more meaningful and conducive environment necessary to bring the stalled peace process in Sri Lanka back on track'', TNA MPs Mr. Joseph Pararajasingam and Mr. Selvam Adaikalanathan told TamilNet Friday.

Mr. Selvam Adaikalanathan MP said further that India could advice the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) to restart the talks based on the ISGA proposals. India could also contribute in creating a positive atmosphere for the Norwegians to continue their facilitation, he continued.

Mr. Joseph Pararajasingham MP said that the ''Indian government should extend its support to the Sri Lankan Tamils' right to self- determination and pave the way to solve the problems of the Tamil speaking people.''

The Tamil Nadu State Government Tuesday decided to withdraw POTA cases against Mr. Y. Gopalswamy (Vaiko) and eight others.

Vaiko was arrested and detained under the Indian Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) by the Tamil Nadu State Government on July 11, 2002, for speaking in favour of the LTTE. He was released on conditional bail, after 18 months of detention, on February 7, 2004.

Tamil Nadu State Government's decision comes in the wake of recent revelations by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) led Central Government of India that the Centre was actively considering the repeal of the POTA.

The ban on the LTTE in India is imposed under the POTA Act.