An Appeal for Funds to Secure the Freedom of  Nedumaran and Vaiko Imprisoned Under POTA

You are aware of the fact that the government of Thamil Nadu led by Ms.Jayalalithaa has arrested Thamil nationalists for extending moral support to the Thamil people's struggle and the LTTE, their sole representive.  These activists have been arrested under the notorious Prevention of  Terrorism Act (POTA) that was enacted by the Indian parliament last year to deal with cross-border terrorism in Kashmir. But Ms.Jayalalithaa has used, or  rather misused, the law to arrest and imprison her political opponents. 

Those arrested under POTA include Thiru Vaiko, General Secretary, MDMK and Pazha Nedumaran, Coordinator of Thamilar Thesiya Iyakkam, and 12 others.  Thiru Vaiko, who was arrested on July 11, 2002, is lodged in Velore prison.  Likewise Thiru Nedumaran, who was arrested on August 01, 2002, is incarcerated in Cudaloor prison.

In addition Ms.Jayalalithaa has foisted false cases over speeches made many years back in the eighties and nineties! Recently Thiru Nedumaran was acquitted by the Magistrate in a case originally filed in 1994. He was dragged to the Thiruchchenthur court 18 times before the final verdict. Thiru Vaiko, in addition to the case under POTA, faces trial in 3 more cases.

Prof. P Kalyani has appealed to Thamils in the Diaspora for contributions to fight the cases before courts. According to him a sum of Rs.13 lakhs is required to meet  legal expenses.

Eelamurasu has set up a fund to collect donations from all Thamil lovers of freedom and justice. These leaders have been imprisoned solely for the reason that they voiced support for our legitimate struggle. We appeal to you to contribute liberally to this fund. Eelamurasu will publish the names of donors regularly (unless the donation is anonymous).

You can make a direct deposit to:

Canada Trust Bank A/c No. 5206352;

Branch Transit No.327; No. 26,

William Kitchen Road,

Scarborough, M1P 5B7.

Or else send cheques drawn in favour of Eelamurasu Publications by post to the following address-

Eelamurasu Publications & Printers

2390 Eglinton Avenue E #230

(Kennedy & Eglinton)

Scarborough M1K 2P5