"Muslims rights should be respected" - Karuna

[TamilNet, Friday, 27 September 2002, 17:15 GMT]
"We must respect the rights of Muslims. We will create an environment where the three communities who live in our area can live in unity. We are not warmongers. We have come forward openly to achieve the legitimate aspirations of Tamils through peaceful negotiations," said a senior commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Colonel Karuna Amman, addressing a large gathering at the concluding event of the fifteenth death anniversary of late LTTE senior commander Lt.Colonel Thileepan Thursday evening held at Vellaveli in the Batticaloa district.

Mr.Kausalyan, LTTE political head presided.

LTTE special commander, Mr. Ramesh, lit the flame of sacrifice. Commander Nagesh hoisted the Thamileelam flag.

"We don't believe that war is the only way to achieve the liberation of our people. People may have doubts that war may resume at any time. But we are confident that there will be no war. Tamils should co-operate with us to achieve our rights through peace talks," Colonel Karuna Amman appealed.

He said, "the government believes that it has given some concessions to us. But we have not achieved our fundamental rights. We will continue to work hard until we achieve our rights.

"Discussions are in progress between our leadership and Muslim leaders on issues affecting Muslim people. But some Muslim leaders are making inflamatory speeches creating apprehension among Muslim people. We appeal to our Muslim brothers and sisters not to doubt the sincerity of LTTE," said Colonel Karuna Amman.

Colonel Karuna Amman congratulated the people of Paduvankarai for their contribution. "People of our district should rally round and strengthen the peace process", said Karuna Amman.

LTTE special commander Ramesh said, "we have formulated strategies to keep our cadres productively employed during this time of peace and during the expected interim administration . We will continue to maintain our military strength."