Sri Lankan government says no threat of LTTE despite India extending ban

The Sri Lankan government while maintaining that there is no threat of the LTTE raising its head again says that the Indian government's decision to extend the ban on the terrorist organization for a further two years is a precautionary measure.

Cabinet and Defence Spokesperson, Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been quoted in the local media saying that the Indian government's decision is a precautionary measure following reports of various actions and protests by certain sections in the country.

"There was even a protest against the IIFA being held in Sri Lanka. The authorities may have taken this precautionary measure due to such actions," he has said.

Rambukwella has reiterated that the LTTE was no longer a threat.

"India needs to be cautious of all elements in their states as it is a large country. But there is no threat from the LTTE. The situation has been completely contained in Sri Lanka," he has noted.

The LTTE was originally proscribed in India in 1992 following the assassination of former Indian Premier Rajiv Gandhi.

While some have questioned the value of extending the ban on a defunct and defeated organisation, India's Home Ministry has cautioned that attempts were being made by some remnants of the Tamil Tigers to regroup in Tamil Nadu.

The notification issued by the Indian government has stated, "the LTTE's objective for a separate homeland (Tamil Eelam) for all Tamils threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India."

The notification has further said that the remnant LTTE cadres and leaders are regrouping in Tamil Nadu to pursue their objective of establishing a separate Tamil Eelam and wrecking revenge on the Indian government traitors which by the LTTE considered as a traitor.

The Gazette has given a clear indication that the Indian government continues to consider the LTTE a threat not only to Sri Lanka but also to India�s unity and sovereignty and claims that former LTTE cadres entered Tamil Nadu by ship during the last days of the war.

The Indian government believes these cadres may attempt to destabilize Tamil Nadu. In a show of support for the central government's decision to extend the ban on the LTTE the Tamil Nadu state government has also gazetted the ban in May.