BHC says law enforcement a matter for police

Display of LTTE flag at UK Parliament square:

The British High Commission spokesperson says the law enforcement against proscribed organisations and management of demonstrations is a matter for the police.

The BHC spokesperson said so when The Island sought an explanation regarding protests conducted by LTTE supporters.

The Island submitted the following query to The BHC: “LTTE flags were displayed in London during a protest on Tuesday (18). Would the UK take action against those responsible as the LTTE remains a proscribed organisation in the UK?”

The BHC spokesperson says the UK government’s position on the LTTE has not changed and the group remains a proscribed organisation.

British citizens of Sri Lankan origin demonstrated at Parliament Square, demanding justice for those who perished during the last phase of the Vanni offensive. Some held placards that read ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ and ‘Tamil genocide is a fact’ as some protesters sang to ‘free Tamil Eelam.’

The Tamil Guardian quoted a British Tamil demonstrator as having said: “It has been 12 years since the Multivariable genocide happened so we’re here to remember those who died in multiradical and those who gave their lives for us. We’re still trying to get the UK government to hold Sri Lanka accountable for their war crimes. We’ve been protesting this for years and we’re still here. We’re going to continue doing so.”

Later in the day, groups of British Tamils gathered outside Downing Street where several Tamils were engaged in a hunger strike (SF)