Colombo, May 24: Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels on Monday have asked India to reconsider extending a ban imposed on them following the slaying of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi 13 years ago.
The rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) through their proxy Tamil National Alliance said New Delhi should re-evaluate its position in the backdrop of talks between them and the Colombo government.
"We urge the Government of India to reconsider its decision to extend the ban on Liberation Tigers for another two years under the Unlawful Activities (prevention) Act," TNA legislator Selvam Adaiklanathan was quoted as saying by the pro-rebel Tamilnet.Com website.
Adaikalanathan said they have already expressed their request to the new government of India.
He said India's decision last week to extend the ban imposed after the Tigers were held responsible for the May 1991 slaying of Gandhi has raised concerns within the minority Tamil community of India's commitment to peace in Sri Lanka.
"While efforts are being made with the support of international community to revive the peace talks between the Liberation Tigers and the government of Sri Lanka it is only appropriate that the Government of India re-evaluates its decision," Adaikalanathan said.
India's support and contribution was essential to the success of efforts to end the island's drawn out conflict which has claimed over 60,000 lives since 1972, he observed.
Bureau Report