'Release those arrested and accused of being LTTE activists'

(December, 18, Madurai, Sri Lanka Guardian)The Tamil Nadu government should release all those arrested in the last few months, accused of being LTTE activists in the light of statements of certain senior union government officials, P Nedumaran, Co ordinator, Tamil Eelam Supporters Coordination committee said today.

He was referring to comments by National Security Advisor M. K Narayanan and Lt General Nobel Thamburaj, general officer commanding in chief, Southern command

Narayanan had stated after meeting Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in Chennai yesterday that the Centre was 'careful' about the LTTE's activities and that a strict vigil was being maintained all along the coastline.

On December 12, Lt.General Thamburaj had ruled out any 'specific threat' from LTTE despite reports of its increasing activities in Tamil Nadu and said that security forces have stepped up surveillance to prevent infiltration of militants.

Nedumaran, a vocal supporter of the LTTE, said in a statement here, that Q-branch police of Tamil Nadu had arrested many persons in the last few months, accusing them of being LTTE activists or their supporters and had filed cases against them. Wide publicity was also given to such cases.

In the light of the statements of these officials, the cases should be withdrawn and action taken against those who filed them, Nedumaran said.

(Agencies)