We will disarm when our security is assured: TVMP

The Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal(TMVP) yesterday declared that it was prepared to disband its military unit as soon as the security of its unarmed political members was assured. In a statement issued last night the TMVP said it had changed from being a terrorist outfit and entered mainstream politics with full confidence in democracy.

“We are fully committed to gain the reasonable rights and political aspirations of our people through democratic means and thereby improve our people economically in an undivided country,” the statement said. In its statement the TMVP said it had explained earlier why carrying weapons was essential, but now wanted to reiterate its stance.

“Several unarmed TMVP political members were killed by the LTTE recently when they had been working on our political projects. To safeguard themselves from the LTTE they were compelled to carry weapons,” the statement said.

“We reject and condemn the use of intimidation, power and violence to achieve political ends in a democratic society. We wish to reaffirm that we are all set to dissolve our military unit no sooner the security of our unarmed political members is assured,” the statement added.