Pongu Thamil campaign launched with rally in NZ

The LTTE has directed the Tamil Diaspora to organize Pongu Thamil or Tamil upsurge rallies in several parts of the world including the EU territory.

Government officials regretted the failure of some countries to curb LTTE activity geared to raise funds for its war effort despite its being a proscribed organization there. They said the international community should immediately stop LTTE fund raising activity.

Pro-LTTE Tamilnet, in a report posted on its website on Saturday (June 14) said Diaspora Eelam Tamils had launched their campaign at Potters Park, Auckland Saturday afternoon.

According to the website, several hundred Tamils carrying the portrait of the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran had called for the international recognition of their right for self determination. "Tamils in Italy, Finland, South Africa, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Swtizerland, UK, France, Sweden, Canada and Malaysia are also expected to mark Pongu Thamil."

Diaspora Eelam Tamils in Norway and Denmark had also marked Pongu Thamil on Saturday.