DMK working President Stalin welcomes LTTE ban lifting, asks Union Government to exert “enough pressure” on Lanka

DMK Working President M K Stalin yesterday welcomed the European Union's  the ban lifting of the LTTE and asked the Sri Lankan Government to ensure a “meaningful share” of power to Eelam Tamils.

In a statement quoted by the Deccan Chronicle Mr Stalin said it is a moment of elation as EU’s highest court has removed LTTE from this list and that the DMK view the decision as an important turning point in the long struggle to secure the rights of Eelam Tamils.

“The Government of Sri Lanka which has systematically interfered and undermined investigations about the human rights abuses orchestrated by the Sri Lankan Army on Eelam Tamils, should understand the intent of EU’s highest court act of lifting ban on LTTE and work towards ensuring meaningful share of power to Eelam Tamils, equal rights on par with Sinhala majority and create an ecosystem for Tamils to rebuild and live their life with self-respect,” the Opposition Leader said.

He also asked the Sri Lankan Government to expedite actions regarding identifying the Tamils who vanished during the war, to return the land parcels belonging to Tamils which are presently occupied by Sri Lankan Army and to cooperate with an independent, international investigation regarding the human rights abuses.

He also asked the Union Government to exert “enough pressure” on the Government of Sri Lanka to safeguard and deliver the rights demanded by Eelam Tamils, which they rightfully deserve.