LTTE remains a threat to India: Tribunal

NEW DELHI: A special tribunal headed by a Delhi high court judge today upheld Centre's decision to extend the ban on terrorist outfit LTTE for another two years saying that the organisation remains a threat to the security of the country.

"Indian soil is being used for unlawful activities propelled by the remnant cadres of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. There is sufficient material to declare the LTTE as unlawful association as contempleted under the Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act.

"Therefore, the declaration made by the Central government notification dated May 14 is confirmed," Justice Vikramajit Sen said.

The tribunal said that there was sufficient evidence that pro-LTTE elements and remnant LTTE cadres, with the help of locals smugglers, were actively participating in unlawful activities in the country.

"The LTTE remains a threat to India's security, integrity and sovereignty," Justice Sen said, adding that "the Central government has succeeded in establishing that supporters of the LTTE in India has been spreading anti-india feeling among the Tamils through public speeches and internet portals."

The LTTE was first banned in India in 1992 following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the Centre has been extending the ban since then every two years.