Well-done Chandrakanthan, says TULF

"The Tamil United Liberation Front very warmly welcomes the historical decision of the Tamil Makkal Viduthlai Puligal, to do away with the weapons that they had in their possession for several years.

The credit goes to its leader S. Chandrakanthan for guiding his party to take such a decision, which will certainly be welcome news to the people of the Eastern Province. It is true that the TMVP members were facing a grave risk to their lives from the LTTE and possession of arms for self-defence could not be dispensed with at that stage, but it is also equally true that the civilian population was not feeling comfortable to work with an armed group.

The real democracy had dawned in the East only now. The Members of the TMVP should also change the name of the party by dropping the word "Puligal" in their name and also release all child-soldiers, if they still have any with them. They must now mix up with the people and give them a sense of security and brotherhood, states TULF President V. Anandasangaree in a press release.

"I strongly urge the TMVP to see that the people enjoy all rights un-interrupted and without the interference of anyone.

They must also compel every group in their midst to surrender the arms in their possession and seek Government Security if required. Well-done Thamby Chandrakanthan! Please keep it up," the release adds.