Priyanka meeting Nalini was a humanitarian gesture: LTTE

LTTE's political wing chief, V Nadesan in a telephonic interview to Times Now television, said Priyanka Vadhra's visit to the Vellore prison to meet Nalini a few months ago was a "humanitarian gesture."

 

"This visit was a purely humanitarian gesture. Nothing else."

 

Asked about the petition filed by Nalini, sentenced to life in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, seeking premature release, Nadesan said the LTTE believed that holistic changes will take place .

 

"We firmly believe holistic changes will take place and Indian government will recognize the legitimate aspirations of Tamil people and their freedom struggle," said Nadesan.

 

“And Nalini's release will start the holistic change."

 

The LTTE, which was indicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, continues to be banned in India.

 

Facing a concerted military offensive by the Sri Lankan army in its stronghold of Jaffna peninsula, Nadesan expressed readiness for ceasefire and peace talks with the island government.

 

Nadesan said that the LTTE was ready for a ceasefire. He accused the Sri Lankan government of "abrogating" the six-year-long ceasefire which came to an end early this year.

 

37-year-old Nalini had moved the Court after her plea for release on the ground of good conduct and having completed over 17 years in jail was rejected by the Tamil Nadu government. 

 

Nalini was initially sentenced to death along with her husband Murugan, and two others. Her sentence was later commuted to life following an appeal by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

 

Prior to Nalini's petition seeking early release, Rajiv Gandhi's daughter Priyanaka Gandhi Vadra met her at the Vellore Central Prison in March, 2008. 

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