india-extends-ban-on-ltte-for-5-more-years-citing-threat-to-national-security

The Indian government has decided to extend the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for another five years due to its separatist activities and threats to India's territorial integrity.

 

The ban has been extended under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, considering the LTTE's efforts to foster separatism in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, and its ongoing activities detrimental to national security.

 

Despite its military defeat in Sri Lanka in 2009, the LTTE has continued its clandestine operations to promote the concept of 'Eelam' and regroup its activists both domestically and internationally.

 

The LTTE's objective of establishing a separate Tamil homeland poses a direct threat to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, making it an unlawful association under Indian law.

 

The group's sympathisers abroad have been spreading anti-India propaganda, blaming India for the defeat of the LTTE, which could incite hatred among Tamil communities towards the Indian government and Constitution.

 

Various criminal activities, including drug and arms smuggling, have been linked to the LTTE and its supporters, warranting strict action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

 

Given the LTTE's continued disruptive activities and anti-India stance, the government has deemed it necessary to declare the group as an unlawful association to safeguard national security and public order.

 

The LTTE, formed in 1976, has been responsible for numerous acts of terrorism and violence, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

 

India's ban on the LTTE has been extended every five years since its initial imposition in 1991, reflecting the ongoing threat posed by the terror organisation despite its military defeat in 2009.